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2 clusters · 4 sources · 22 days · First seen · Last updated

UK homelessness services and support trends

Overview

English local authorities have seen a significant rise in spending on homelessness services and temporary accommodation. For the year ending April 2026, expenditure reached a record £2.9bn, marking an 88% increase over the previous five years. A substantial portion of this budget, approximately £1.78bn, was allocated to private temporary accommodation such as hostels and bed and breakfasts. As of March 2026, a record 135,580 households were reported to be living in temporary accommodation.

In response to these challenges, local councils are expanding support initiatives. Somerset Council secured £5.87 million through a government Rough Sleeping Programme to provide settled accommodation and specialized services between 2026 and 2029. Additionally, Mansfield District Council has launched a dedicated team for its ‘Housing First’ project, utilizing repurposed flats to provide intensive support aimed at helping individuals sustain tenancies and reintegrate into the community.

Entities

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government · Somerset Council · Mansfield District Council · Shelter · England

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    UK councils expand support and funding for rough sleepers

    UK local councils in Somerset and Mansfield are expanding homelessness services through new government funding and dedicated support teams to help rough sleepers secure long-term housing.

  2. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    English councils spend record £2.9bn on homelessness services

    English councils spent a record £2.9bn on homelessness services and temporary accommodation in the year to April 2026, an 88% increase over five years.

Sources

dkr.dk · housingtoday.co.uk · independent.co.uk · mansfield.gov.uk