UK councils adopt modular homes to curb homelessness costs

Housing provider Places for People is urging English councils to use derelict council land for factory‑built modular homes, arguing that each unit could save roughly £24,540 per year compared with emergency hotel stays. The proposal comes as government data show more than 134,000 households in England are living in temporary accommodation, costing councils about £2.8 billion annually and projected to rise to £4 billion by decade’s end. A pilot in Bristol has already delivered 20 modular houses for families at risk of homelessness.

In Wales, Powys County Council has applied for planning permission to erect seven single‑storey modular dwellings near its headquarters and a primary school in Llandrindod Wells. The scheme aims to reduce reliance on costly emergency placements for the council’s 31 households in temporary housing. Local town councillors and Natural Resources Wales have raised concerns about drainage and site details, but council leaders stress the need for safe, dignified housing and the potential long‑term savings.