Like many major cities, Liverpool is facing growing demand for temporary accommodation. Rising homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing has put significant pressure on Liverpool City Council’s budget. The city has seen an increasing reliance on hotels and B&Bs to house families in crisis, pushing costs to unsustainable levels and making it harder to provide stable, long-term housing solutions.

We worked with the Council to reshape its approach to temporary accommodation. By focusing on supplier management and tenant pathways, we supported Liverpool in moving away from costly, short-term fixes towards a more sustainable system that identified £19 million savings over the next 10 years.

Strategic procurement of homes

By forming stronger partnerships with private landlords, the Council reduced its dependence on high-cost emergency placements. Clearer specifications ensured that properties meet the right standards, providing families with better quality housing and support which will last.

We worked with the Council to strengthen its internal processes, ensuring it has the capacity, skills, and systems needed to manage and negotiate housing contracts effectively.

Looking forward

This shift to a more strategic, data-driven approach is already making a difference. By reducing reliance on hotels and B&Bs, securing alternative housing options, and improving supplier management, the Council was able to provide more cost-effective accommodation that is better suited to the needs of local families.

The Council, with our support, has been able to take long-term steps to make housing provision more stable, efficient, and financially sustainable.