Councils in England spent £2.93bn on temporary accommodation for homeless households between April 2025 and March 2026, according to recent government figures. This sum includes spending on B&Bs, hotels, and self-contained accommodation.
Spending rise and current numbers
According to Shelter, the spending is the equivalent of £8.04 million a day and represents an 88% increase over five years. In August, data showed that 135,580 households experiencing homelessness, including 177,530 children, are living in temporary accommodation.
Future projections and government pledge
The Local Government Association (LGA) has said the cost to councils of providing temporary accommodation for homeless people in England is projected to more than double to almost £4bn by 2029–30. However, the government has vowed to end the use of B&Bs by the end of this parliament.
