Recent government data has revealed a troubling increase in the number of families living in temporary accommodation in the West Midlands. Between April 1 and June 30 this year, 8,820 households were reported to be in temporary housing—a nine percent rise from 8,120 during the same period last year. This figure also marks a slight increase from the previous quarter’s total of 8,780.
Most notably, the number of children living in temporary accommodation in the region climbed by 13 percent, reaching 16,580 by the end of the quarter compared to 14,730 in the previous year. This places the West Midlands as the third highest region in England for children living in such conditions, behind London with 97,140 and the South East with 19,280.
Of the 8,820 households, 880 were housed outside their local authorities, while the West Midlands welcomed 180 households from other regions. Despite the rise in temporary accommodation, cases of homelessness or those at risk of homelessness decreased by seven percent from 7,980 last year to 7,460 this quarter, reflecting a 16 percent drop from 8,880 in the last quarter.
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These figures are collected and published quarterly by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), drawing from data provided by councils across England.
In response to the ongoing housing crisis, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has committed to building 2,000 social homes annually by 2028 under his ‘Homes for Everyone’ initiative. Earlier this month, the Government pledged £1.7 billion in funding to support the development of at least 10,000 new homes in the region over the next decade starting April 2026.
Mayor Parker emphasized the need for action, stating, “For too long, chronic underinvestment in social and affordable housing has affected thousands of West Midlands families. Many struggle with expensive private rents or endure poor-quality temporary accommodation. Providing safe, affordable homes is central to my Homes for Everyone priority.”