Temporary accommodation crisis deepens as London households top 75,000
New statutory homelessness statistics show the number of households living in temporary accommodation has reached a record high, with councils spending billions and warning that the bill is pushing some authorities towards insolvency.
Eleanor Whitfield
Writer ·
- Almost 75,000 London households in temporary accommodation, a record high
- London accounts for around 56% of the national total
- Newham has the most affected households at 7,137
- Councils spent £2.84 billion on temporary accommodation in 2024-25
- More than 172,000 children were living in temporary accommodation nationally
“”
Referenced coverage: Our reporting and analysis draws on coverage first reported by GOV.UK / Statutory homelessness statistics. The NE Times publishes original reporting and independent analysis written by our editorial team. We credit and link the outlets whose primary reporting informed this article.
The NE Times is an independent news and analysis publisher. Our articles combine factual reporting with clearly-written, impartial analysis. Content is for general information and does not constitute professional advice. Disclaimer.
You may also like to read
Nine councils stripped of planning powers over major developments
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has placed nine local authorities in planning 'special measures', allowing developers to bypass them and apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for large schemes.
Councils to get AI planning tools as government chases 1.5 million homes
Ministers are rolling out artificial intelligence tools to local planning departments in a bid to halve decision times, part of a wider package of reforms designed to accelerate housebuilding across England.
Right to Buy overhaul aims to protect council homes from the sell-off
As the Social Housing Bill clears its second reading in the Lords, the government's Right to Buy reforms will extend eligibility to ten years, cut discounts and shield new social homes from sale for 35 years.
Devolution drive accelerates as new strategic authorities take shape
With the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act now on the statute book, ministers are pressing ahead with a wave of new mayors and strategic authorities handed powers over housing, transport and skills.