A third of London's local authorities are failing to monitor whether tenants are being evicted from homes subsequently purchased by councils for temporary accommodation. The lack of oversight raises serious questions about the unintended consequences on the capital's homelessness crisis. An investigation has uncovered 11 councils that do not keep records on property occupation before acquisition.
According to reports, these councils argue that the responsibility lies with the seller, despite criticism from some boroughs and advocacy groups. This lack of accountability means they are unable to confirm if their efforts to house vulnerable households are inadvertently displacing others, potentially exacerbating the crisis. The findings come amid controversy over a proposed purchase by Westminster City Council in Kew, where over 30 existing households were reportedly told to leave.
Jae Vail, spokesperson for the London Renters Union, warned against temporary accommodation purchases as a "short-term fix" and argued that councils should focus on rebuilding social housing stock instead. This sentiment highlights a broader debate about sustainable housing strategies versus crisis management. In response to concerns, the Ministry of Housing pointed to upcoming renters reforms aimed at preventing unjust evictions.
A Freedom of Information investigation revealed varying levels of transparency among London boroughs. Enfield Council recorded two households evicted via Section 21 notices in 2024 before being purchased by the council. Kingston reported no tenants were evicted, but some occupiers left voluntarily after sales were announced. Meanwhile, Brent, Hackney, and Southwark councils admitted to lacking records on property occupation for temporary accommodation acquisitions, despite significant purchases.
Eight authorities did not respond to the FOI requests, while several reported no relevant purchases. The lack of transparency raises further questions about accountability in council decision-making and the impact on vulnerable households.