City's households in temporary housing tops 2,300

The number of households in temporary accommodation in Brighton & Hove has exceeded 2,300, according to the city council.

A total of 2,358 households were without a permanent home in the city as of 5 October, exceeding a five-year high of 2,292 in June, according to a report for a Brighton & Hove City Council committee.

The document includes a forecast that up to 2,860 households would need temporary housing by 2029-30.

Almost 3,600 people were estimated to be experiencing homelessness in the city, including 1,400 children.

The scrutiny committee is due to discuss the council's temporary accommodation supply strategy on Tuesday, which aims to reduce the amount spent on private sector housing.

A projected £15.2m spend on temporary housing is expected, exceeding and a budget of £14.6m for 2026-27, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The city council assessed nearly 50 households per week as homeless and in need of housing in the first half of the year.

"Without further intervention, demand is forecast to continue increasing, placing additional pressure on council budgets and homelessness services," officials said.

The council's cabinet approved policy changes in April, taking advantage of empty council homes and using more homes controlled by the council.

A three-year programme is expected to add 500 temporary homes to the council's stock through a mix of long-leases and home purchases.

The council has also received £16.4m from a government fund to buy homes to use as temporary housing.

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