In response to the unprecedented rise in homelessness and the growing demand for temporary accommodation (TA), Barnet Council has rolled out its Temporary Accommodation Reduction Plan. This strategic framework outlines the Council’s approach for addressing the housing crisis over the next four years.
Despite considerable prevention efforts and new housing initiatives, Barnet, like many councils across London and the UK, is facing a critical shortage of affordable homes. This gap has resulted in an increased reliance on costly emergency temporary accommodation, with the widening disparity between available resources and the escalating demand creating a serious challenge.
Since 2021/22, Barnet has experienced an alarming 83% rise in homelessness applications. Furthermore, the cost per emergency TA unit has soared by nearly 300% in just 30 months. Without decisive intervention, the annual cost of TA could surge from £14 million in 2024/25 to £31 million by 2030. By that time, it’s projected that nearly 4,000 households could be living in TA.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, Cllr Ross Houston, emphasized the importance of the new plan, stating:
“Our new Temporary Accommodation Plan is committed to ensuring Barnet residents are supported with suitable housing while managing annual TA costs effectively. This plan explores every possible approach to meet the housing needs of the borough’s most vulnerable people. By minimizing costs, we will continue to protect the public purse. By managing demand and increasing supply, we can reduce the number of people living in temporary accommodation. Barnet Council is committed to delivering 1,000 new council homes by 2026, and these homes will support families in need.”
The plan is focused on three primary areas of action:
- Managing Demand: This involves expanding early intervention schemes to prevent evictions, extending successful pilot projects, and enhancing collaboration with private sector landlords to help families stay in their homes for longer periods.
- Increasing Supply: The plan aims to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing by boosting new builds, acquisitions, and partnerships. There will be a special emphasis on creating accessible and specialist housing to cater to diverse community needs.
- Maximising Income and Minimising Costs: Barnet Council plans to address Housing Benefit subsidy issues by exploring alternative structures for securing non-council temporary accommodation. The Council will also consider alternative rent models and continue lobbying for national reforms to support sustainable housing solutions.
The Temporary Accommodation Reduction Plan is a key component of Barnet Council’s broader initiative, “Our Plan for Barnet,” which places a strong focus on caring for people, places, and the planet. This holistic approach aims to create a sustainable, supportive environment for the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
