Rising Temporary Accommodation costs

Like many local authorities across the UK, the London Borough of Redbridge is having to deal with the major challenge of rapidly rising costs in Temporary Accommodation (TA). With a growing reliance on both the costly private rental market and emergency housing, the Council was looking for a more strategic approach to improving outcomes for tenants and at the same time reducing financial pressures.

Redbridge engaged 4OC to support the implementation of its TA strategy. The main focus of this strategy was to support the Borough in finding more affordable accommodation and ultimately reducing the number of people entering the TA system and making sustainable cost savings for the Council.

A Strategic Approach to Housing

Bringing our experience in developing Housing Strategy, Project Management and Data Modelling, 4OC have been working with the Council to:

  • Engage the private rental market: Strengthening partnerships with private landlords to increase TA provision
  • Maximise funding opportunities: Assessing and implementing leasing models to address the subsidy gap (e.g., a 10 years plus 1 day leasing scheme to recover more costs from the Department for Work and Pensions)
  • Improve discharge processes: Streamlining systems and processes to reduce TA stays and help people move on faster
  • Work with housing partners: Securing commercial agreements with Registered Providers to ensure a sustainable property supply
  • Increase early intervention and prevention: Improving support to prevent homelessness before it happens

What Redbridge has already achieved

By taking a strategic, data-driven approach, Redbridge has made rapid progress in reshaping its TA system. Working together with 4OC, the Council is now creating a more sustainable and cost-effective housing solution for its communities – one that delivers better outcomes for residents while saving millions in public funds.

If you’re facing similar issues in your area, get in touch [support@the4oc.com] and together we can work out the most appropriate way forward for your council.