Families In Temporary Housing In Brighton Reach Four-Year High

The number of families in temporary housing in Brighton has reached a four-year high, with more than 2,000 families housed each month in the last seven months of 2025.

Numbers peaked at 2,170 families in November and December.

Brighton & Hove City Council’s draft budget, due to be presented to overview and scrutiny committees next week, forecasts that the cost of temporary accommodation will rise by £12 million in 2026-27.

Paul Nann, the council’s cabinet adviser on homelessness, said demand for temporary accommodation and homelessness support services continues to grow.

He added that the council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025–2030 focuses on early intervention and supporting people into secure, affordable housing.

To help reduce pressure on the budget, the council plans to increase the supply of temporary accommodation by block-booking properties, which is cheaper than spot-purchasing, and is forming a new advice team to speed up moves into social housing.

The council is also reviewing its portfolio of land and property, aiming to raise £30 million over the next three years. This includes properties such as the old Slipper Baths in Barrack Yard, which could be converted into homes.

In October, councillors agreed to buy 13 homes for temporary housing, saving an estimated £164,000 per year.