Homeless Applications & Interim Accommodation 2025/2026
Case reference FOI2026/01641
Received 18 October 2026
Published 30 October 2026
Request
Response
Homeless Applications & Interim Accommodation 2025/2026
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding the council’s expenditure on interim temporary accommodation and related costs, as well as the measures being taken to reduce such expenditures.
Please provide the following information:
1. Homeless Applications and Interim Accommodation:
- Over the past twelve months, how many people have made a homeless application to the Council?
Between 1st October 2025 - 30th September 2026, 424 households were given a decision on a homeless application made under Part VII Housing Act 1996.
- Over the past twelve months, how many people have been provided with interim accommodation pursuant to Section 188(1) of the Housing Act 1996?
Between 1st October 2025 - 30th September 2026, 91 households were provided with interim accommodation pursuant to Section 188(1) by the Council.
- Over the past twelve months, how many people have been provided with interim accommodation pursuant to Section 189(b) of the Housing Act 1996?
Between 1st October 2025 - 30th September 2026, 35 households were provided with interim accommodation pursuant to Section 189(b) by the Council.
- Over the past twelve months, what was the total cost of providing interim accommodation?
Unable to provide this information. Cost of accommodation is not broken down according to duty owed.
a) What proportion of this cost was paid to Travelodge and/or any of its parent companies/subsidiaries? N/A
b) What was the total amount paid to Travelodge and/or its related entities over the past twelve months?
Between 1st October 2025 - 30th September 2026, £14,228.34 paid to Travelodge for temporary accommodation use.
2. Temporary Accommodation Expenditure and Associated Costs:
- What has been the total expenditure on interim temporary accommodation (e.g., Travelodge, B&Bs) for homeless individuals over the past three financial years?
2022/23 - Total B&B expenditure = £97,501
2023/24 - Total B&B expenditure = £259,756
2024/25 - Total B&B expenditure = £241,746
- Please provide a breakdown of these costs by location, including the number of placements made outside the borough.
Unable to provide this information. B&B cost is not broken down according to location of accommodation.
- What has been the total expenditure on affiliated costs such as storage, taxis, and other related services for individuals placed in temporary accommodation outside the borough over the past three financial years?
Unable to provide this information. Total cost is not broken down according to affiliated costs.
- Please provide details of these costs by category (e.g., storage, transportation, etc.) and location.
N/A
3. Protection of Personal Property for Homeless Applicants:
- Over the past twelve months, how many homeless applicants have had their personal property protected by the local authority?
Information not held
- What is the average length of time that a homeless applicant’s personal property is stored by the local authority?
Information not held
- What is the average cost of storing a homeless applicant’s personal property while they are in interim accommodation?
Information not held
- Under what circumstances does the local authority protect the personal property of homeless applicants?
A temporary accommodation Torts Notice-properly known as a notice under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 (TIGA 1977)-is required whenever a landlord, local housing authority, or managing agent needs to lawfully dispose of or sell personal belongings that have been left behind. When a resident leaves temporary housing (whether they move out voluntarily, are evicted, or abandon the property) and leaves personal belongings behind, the Council automatically becomes an "involuntary bailee" and a TORT notice is required.
- As part of the homeless application process, does the local authority expressly ask the homeless applicant whether they need their personal property protected?
Yes. This question is asked as part of a sign-up for temporary accommodation. The applicant is encouraged to make there own arrangements wherever possible.
- If not, please state the reasons why this question is not asked.
N/A
- Please provide copies of the local authority’s policies regarding homeless applications.
No such policies exist. A copy of the Council's Temporary Accommodation Policy can be found here - https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/534166/Temporary-Accommodation-Policy-Reviewed-June-2026.pdf
- Please provide a copy of the local authority’s policy regarding the protection of the personal property of homeless applicants.
No such policy exisits.
- Please disclose a copy of the council's homeless procedures manual or policy document followed by housing solutions officers at its homeless service centres/homeless persons offices.
No such policies exist.
- Over the past three years, how many complaints have been made by homeless applicants regarding the council’s failure to protect their personal property?
Information not held
4. Proactive Measures to Reduce Temporary Accommodation Costs:
- What specific measures has the council taken to reduce the reliance on temporary accommodation outside the borough, such as Travelodge and B&Bs?
Please refer to the Temporary Accommodation Policy, link provided above.
- Has the council developed or initiated any programs to increase the availability of local temporary accommodation, particularly through the use of empty properties or land within the borough? If so, please provide details.
No
5. Utilisation of Empty Properties and Land:
- How many empty properties and parcels of land are currently owned by the council that could potentially be used for temporary accommodation?
Nil
- Has the council considered or initiated any compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to acquire vacant properties for conversion into temporary accommodation? If so, please provide details, including the number of properties targeted, the outcome, and associated costs.
No
- What steps has the council taken to encourage community/ non-profit groups or social enterprises to make use of disused land or buildings via adverse possession for temporary accommodation or support services? Please provide examples, if any.
No information held
6. Comparative Models and Best Practices:
- Is the council aware of successful models such as Calderwood House in Cumbria, where an empty property (a former police station) was transformed into temporary accommodation and support services? If so, has the council explored similar initiatives within the borough? Please provide details of any discussions, plans, or actions taken.
Not aware of scheme in Cumbria. In 2024, a number of commercial units were converted to residential for use as temporary accommodation.
- Has the council considered offering similar arrangements, such as a peppercorn rent, to community groups or social enterprises willing to repurpose empty properties for temporary accommodation or support services? If not, what are the reasons for not pursuing this option?
No
7. Support Services for Individuals in Temporary Accommodation:
What support services does the council currently provide for individuals placed in temporary accommodation outside the borough, particularly in terms of maintaining their connection to local support networks, healthcare providers, and other essential services?
Households are provided with support by the Council's Tenancy Team and Housing Options Team.
Are there any programs in place to assist individuals in transitioning from temporary accommodation outside the borough to permanent housing within the borough? If so, please provide details on the nature of the support provided, outcomes, and costs.
No
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Complaints:
How does the council monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its temporary accommodation placements, particularly those made outside the borough? Please provide any available data on the impact of these placements on residents, including any assessments of detriment or distress caused.
Temporary Accommodation Policy is reviewed on an annual basis. Temporary Accommodation Team meet on a weekly basis to discuss placements and voids to ensure best use of accommodation stock and consider support requirements.
Has the council conducted any cost-benefit analysis comparing the current expenditure on temporary accommodation outside the borough with potential savings from investing in local solutions (e.g., repurposing empty properties)? If so, please provide the findings.
No
Documents
This is Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.