Number of families in TA sees first quarterly drop since 2022 but figure still higher than previous year

The number of families in temporary accommodation (TA) saw a slight dip in the period October to December 2025 from the previous quarter, according to the latest government statistics.

As of December 31 2025, 134,210 households were in temporary accommodation, representing a 0.4% drop from the record-high reported in the previous three months and the first time this figure has decreased between quarters since 2022.

However, the number is still 5% higher than the same time last year.

During the last quarter of 2025, there were 85,800 households with children in TA, an increase of 0.1% from the previous quarter and up 5.9% from last year.

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has called on the government to restore local housing allowance (LHA) rates, which were frozen in the last budget, in order to address the TA crisis. These rates are used to calculate the maximum amount of housing support a private sector tenant can receive if they claim universal credit for housing element or housing benefit.

Stephanie Morphew, CIH policy lead, said: “In the short term, ensuring the social security payments cover private rents by restoring LHA rates is the single most effective lever to transition households from expensive and unsuitable temporary accommodation into a stable home.”

The government’s statistics for statutory homelessness in England between October and December 2025 also recorded a year-on-year reduction in the number of households owed a homelessness duty, households with a prevention duty, households with a relief duty and households owed a main duty decision.