A pivot towards ending the crisis in TA for Londoners

This research from Leila Baker and Mary Carter, commissioned by Trust for London, explores what it will take to move beyond crisis response and towards a long-term, system-wide solution. It brings together insights from across government, civil society and the housing sector to identify where consensus already exists, and what change is needed next.

Summary

This research examines how London can end its temporary accommodation crisis within the next decade, with a shared ambition of cross-sector consensus by 2029 and a lasting solution by 2035. Drawing on interviews with experts and a wide review of existing evidence, it highlights both the scale of the challenge and the growing alignment around potential solutions.

The findings show that the crisis is systemic - driven by long-term structural issues in housing supply, funding and policy - rather than short-term pressures alone. While many of the most significant levers for change sit with central government, there is a critical role for London’s voluntary and community sector, local authorities and funders in shaping solutions, building momentum and influencing national action.

The research does not prescribe specific policy recommendations. Instead, it identifies shared priorities, tensions and opportunities for collaboration, offering a foundation for collective action to end the crisis.

Key findings

1. The crisis is driven by structural funding and housing pressures
   Rising costs, insufficient social housing supply, and increasing demand are placing unsustainable financial strain on boroughs and worsening conditions for households in temporary accommodation.
2. Temporary accommodation is failing many Londoners
   People are staying longer in TA, often in poor-quality housing and far from support networks. Some groups—particularly Black and minoritised communities—are disproportionately affected and experience worse outcomes.
3. Short-term fixes are necessary—but not sufficient
   Interim measures can improve conditions and reduce harm, but without deeper system change they risk reinforcing a cycle of crisis management rather than resolution.
4. System-wide change is essential to ending the crisis
   Solutions require coordinated action across housing supply, welfare policy, and local government finance. No single organisation or sector can resolve the issue alone.
5. Leadership, collaboration and consensus are critical
   Ending the crisis depends on stronger coordination across sectors, clearer governance, and a shared vision for change—alongside collective advocacy to influence national policy.
6. Civil society has a key role to play
   Voluntary and community organisations can help build consensus, amplify lived experience, and drive change through advocacy, partnerships and innovation.