Waltham Forest Temporary Housing Costs Fall But Demand Still Rising

Waltham Forest is working on housing homeless people. However, the number of people needing help is rising. Last November, 1,549 households lived in temporary housing, while the council is spending less per household now.

The average weekly cost dropped to £246 in November, having been £327 in October. Costs were highest last spring, reaching £378 in May, which happened because housing was scarce.

The council has a duty to house those at risk. Many London councils use hotels for this purpose, but this is very expensive. Over 8,000 people wait for permanent housing.

About 200 people apply each month for housing and around 88% of their applications get approved. The number of households needing temporary housing is increasing; it was 1,096 in January 2024.

Hotels are still the priciest option, at £607 weekly. Licensed accommodation is next, costing £299. New hotels became housing, which lowered costs dramatically. Two hotels brought 221 new units.

The report says “economic uncertainty” hurts construction. They say less “affordable” housing is being built, as inflation, static values, and borrowing costs impacted people. Residents struggle to find homes they need, and council leaders warned of a housing crisis last year.

The council expected a big overspend in its housing budget. A government grant would offset some expenses, requiring the council to make internal cuts. Leader Grace Williams said they face “tough decisions.”

Deputy leader Ahsan Khan mentioned needed housing policy changes. The council wants 27,000 new homes by 2035. Plans for affordable homes near Lea Bridge Station got approved, and these flats will be in two tall towers.

Between 2012 and 2021, about 9,100 homes got built. Just under 3,000 were “affordable” housing. Private rents rose by 42% from 2011 to 2019, while house prices rose 118% between 2014 and 2024.

Waltham Forest was once affordable, but slipped to 14th place.