A growing crisis in temporary accommodation

To coincide with World Homeless Day, Rachael Williamson recounts a recent CIH visit to Hackney Council, where the national crisis in temporary accommodation is particularly acute.

The latest statutory figures show the number of households facing homelessness exceeded 320,000 between 2023-2024, the highest on record, marking an eight per cent increase on 2022-2023. 

On the same day these stats were released, a few CIH colleagues and I were shown around some of Hackney Council’s temporary accommodation provision by their homelessness prevention and benefits team, led by Jennifer Wynter.  

It was a sobering look at the housing crisis up close and the impact it’s having on families, children, and communities. Once a relatively affordable borough, Hackney’s housing prices have soared (the Olympics effect), and the average household now needs an income of £80,000 to afford a private rental. 

What’s more shocking is that 19 per cent of residents are considered ‘too poor’ even for social housing. Jennifer explained that more than any other borough she’s worked in before, residents of Hackney are rooted to place. For some, 12 years in temporary accommodation (TA) in the hope of a social tenancy in their community is a sacrifice they are willing to make. This growing tenure comes at huge social and economic cost.  

Hackney currently has 3,457 households in TA, including around 4,000 children – enough to fill nine primary schools. These children are spending their entire childhoods in temporary housing, with the situation worsening as more are born into it. Currently, no data is collected on how many children are born to parents living in TA, but one hostel manager told us there had been two births registered already that day. 

The impact on the community is profound. Last year alone, four primary schools in Hackney closed due to falling enrolment numbers. As families are pushed out or trapped in unstable housing, the local community is beginning to hollow out. Two of these closed school sites are now earmarked for use as TA, further illustrating the scale of the crisis. “Everything is creaking despite our best efforts,” said Jennifer, adding: “We’re spending all our time firefighting.” 

At any given time, 40 to 50 households deemed in priority need are waiting for TA placements. Not surprisingly, the financial burden on the council is escalating at an unsustainable rate. Hackney’s net expenditure on TA last year was £7.8 million, but this year is projected to rise to a staggering £28 million. 

Behind the numbers and statistics are people with stories of hardship. The main reasons for homelessness in Hackney include family conflict and overcrowding, the end of PRS tenancies, and domestic abuse. Complex and deeply personal situations, often with no quick or easy solutions. 

Jennifer Wynter  |  Asst director of benefits and homeless prevention, LB Hackney

Everything is creaking despite our best efforts

Council staff have been seeing higher levels of distress since COVID-19, and more self-harm and suicides. Hoarding is becoming increasingly prevalent; a mental health issue taken extremely seriously by the council due to the associated health and safety risks. In one example, a high-needs resident required 52 professional touch points for support. 

• Making space: Tackling hoarding with tech and compassion 

Hackney’s experience reflects a broader national trend. As more families are pushed into TA for longer periods, the ability to break the cycle of homelessness becomes increasingly difficult. From the children growing up in it to the council staff stretched to their limits, the strain is felt by everyone. 

While the council is doing its best to innovate and lead in this space, the challenges are mounting, and without significant change they will worsen. This crisis is not just about housing; it's about long-term health and wellbeing and systemic inequality. 

The latest national statistics confirm this is not a local issue: it’s a national emergency that demands urgent attention. The need for systemic solutions, increased funding, and a collaborative approach from all housing stakeholders has never been more urgent. The new government’s homelessness taskforce and drive to boost social housing supply can’t come soon enough.

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