Temporary accommodation model – Local Partnerships Temporary accommodation model – Local Partnerships

Temporary accommodation model

Martin Walker
Martin Walker
29 Nov 2023

Introduction

A template ‘Temporary accommodation model’ for demonstrating the financial case for investing capital to reduce the revenue costs of temporary accommodation.

Dealing with homelessness puts enormous pressures on council budgets, and the lack of suitable properties means that vulnerable individuals and families are often housed in temporary accommodation, including hotels and hostels.
Local Partnerships (with financial support from the LGA) has developed a new temporary accommodation model – which we have developed and piloted in a live setting in Manchester.
View our recorded webinar where we introduced and walked through the model for the benefit of councils grappling with homelessness and temporary accommodation pressures in their areas.

Government figures released in July 2023 show that, nationally, over 100,000 households were found to be living in temporary accommodation – up 10 per cent from 12 months previously and again the highest figure on record.

The purpose of the model is to:

  • provide councils with an order of magnitude assessment of the likely future profile, over a defined time period, of household types and numbers that will require temporary accommodation, and the consequential cost to the council’s revenue budget
  • set the counterfactual position for ‘invest to save’ propositions and allow their impact to be estimated and subsequently evaluated
  • enable changes in some of the main contributory factors to rising temporary accommodation spend (i.e., housing affordability, housing demand and housing supply), to be monitored and evaluated as well as help with budget management.

We would be very happy to chat through how this could be used in your area too: please don’t hesitate to contact us via the form on this page or contact martin.walker@localpartnerships.gov.uk . We’d be delighted to help.

Explore related materials

Discover guides, toolkits and case studies that build on this topic

Resource Hub
Climate Adaptation & Mitigation Matrix for Waste & Resource Sector

The Climate Adaptation and Resilience Matrix is a practical tool designed to help local authorities understand, assess and respond to the potential impacts of climate change and extreme weather on waste services and supporting infrastructure.

The matrix considers a range of climate-related hazards, including heatwaves, flooding and extreme cold, and their potential implications for collection services, household waste and recycling centres, transfer stations, operational depots and key supply chain facilities. It provides a high-level checklist of both short- and longer-term adaptation and mitigation measures that authorities can consider to strengthen the resilience and continuity of their services.

Drawing on research, case studies and stakeholder engagement, the matrix brings together practical actions and considerations in one place. It is not intended to prescribe a single approach; rather, it provides a flexible framework that local authorities can adapt to reflect their own climate risks, infrastructure, service models, geography and local circumstances.

The toolkit also highlights opportunities to embed climate resilience into existing organisational processes and decision-making, rather than treating adaptation as a standalone activity. This includes considering resilience measures through procurement and contract management, budget and capital planning, policy and strategy reviews, asset management, service transformation programmes and wider operational planning.

By using the matrix as a prompt for discussion, review and forward planning, local authorities can identify vulnerabilities, prioritise appropriate interventions and progressively build greater resilience into waste services, infrastructure and supply chains.

Read more
Combined Authorities
Local Government
Resource Hub
Guide
Local Authority Guide To Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESP)

How can councils help shape the energy infrastructure needed to support housing, regeneration and local growth?

Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESP), led by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), introduce a new regional layer of energy planning across England, Scotland and Wales. They will help shape where and when energy infrastructure investment takes place, with significant implications for local growth and decarbonisation ambitions.

With NESO inviting participation in RESP Strategic Boards and Working Groups, this guide helps local and combined authorities consider what they need to put in place to take an effective role in regional energy planning.

Drawing on interviews with local authorities, it sets out practical approaches to:

  • establishing clear governance, responsibilities and decision-making
  • coordinating priorities and representation across a region
  • using local evidence to influence infrastructure planning
  • building capacity and sharing expertise
  • aligning energy investment with local growth and decarbonisation priorities.

An accompanying executive summary provides a concise overview for senior leaders and elected members, explaining why RESP matters, the risks of limited engagement and the organisational arrangements needed to respond effectively.

The guide was funded by West Midlands Combined Authority and draws on learning from the Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital Environment (PRIDE) project.

Read more
Local Government
Resource Hub
Tool
Greenhouse gas accounting tool

UPDATED – 21 September 2026 – Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool 

The Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool has been developed by Local Partnerships in collaboration with the Local Government Association (LGA) to provide councils with a straightforward and consistent approach for calculating their carbon baseline and annual emissions reporting. 

For assistance and feedback, please email ghgaccounting@localpartnerships.gov.uk

Read more

Contact Local Partnerships

Do you have a project you would like help with, or could we answer a question about our services? Please message us here.

Name(Required)
Local Partnerships Logo Talk to Us
Hi there! Let us know if there’s anything we can help you with

Ready to start a conversation

We work best when we understand what matters most to you. Get in touch and let’s explore how we can help.
Talk to us
Local Partnerships Logo

Ready to find out more?

Keep up with the latest updates!

© Local Partnerships 2026 | Local Partnerships LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales no. OC346845. The registered address is 18 Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ.