All boroughs are being asked to commit to ‘fivebasics’ in temporary accommodation
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Introduction: The Urgent Need for Change
London’s temporary accommodation crisis has reached a tipping point. With over 60,000 households currently housed in temporary accommodation across the capital, boroughs are now being urged to commit to ‘Five Basics’—minimum living standards designed to protect vulnerable residents.
For housing professionals, council workers, and NHS staff, this is more than just policy—it’s about safeguarding dignity, health, and stability for those in crisis. In this article, we explore:
- What the ‘Five Basics’ entail
- Why this commitment matters
- How housing associations and councils can implement change
- The role of healthcare providers in supporting residents
The ‘Five Basics’: A New Standard for Temporary Accommodation
1. Safe and Secure Housing
Temporary accommodation must be structurally sound, free from hazards, and equipped with working fire safety measures. The tragic lessons from Grenfell Tower and other housing failures underscore why safety cannot be compromised.
🔗 Related: Learn more about housing safety regulations on GOV.UK.
2. Access to Basic Amenities
No family should live without:
- Reliable heating and hot water
- Functional kitchen facilities
- Clean, working bathrooms
3. Proximity to Essential Services
Research shows that long commutes from temporary housing disrupt children’s education and access to healthcare. Boroughs must prioritise placements near:
- Schools
- GP surgeries
- Public transport
🔗 For NHS staff: See how housing impacts health in NHS England’s Integrated Care report.
4. Support for Vulnerable Groups
- Families with young children
- Survivors of domestic violence
- Individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses
🔗 Explore: Supported Housing options for vulnerable residents.
5. Clear Pathways to Permanent Housing
Temporary must not mean indefinite. Councils must provide:
- Transparent move-on plans
- Regular updates on housing applications
- Support from housing officers
🔗 Need help managing housing allocations? Check out Social Home’s Service Providers.
Why This Matters for Housing Professionals
For Councils & Housing Associations
- Compliance with new regulations avoids legal risks.
- Better resident outcomes reduce long-term costs.
- Stronger community trust improves engagement.
🔗 Discover: Resources for housing professionals.
For NHS & Social Care Workers
Poor housing directly impacts:
- Respiratory conditions (damp, mould)
- Mental health (overcrowding, instability)
- Child development (frequent moves)
🔗 External resource: The King’s Fund on Housing & Health.
How to Implement the ‘Five Basics’ in Your Borough
1. Conduct a Housing Audit
- Identify unsafe or substandard properties.
- Use Exempt Accommodation guidelines for compliance.
2. Partner with Local Services
- NHS teams can flag health-related housing risks.
- Schools can report families in unsuitable placements.
3. Advocate for Policy Change
- Push for longer-term funding solutions.
- Demand cross-departmental cooperation.
🔗 Get involved: Join discussions on our Housing Blog.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
The ‘Five Basics’ framework is a critical step forward, but real change requires:
✅ Commitment from all boroughs
✅ Collaboration between housing and health services
✅ Investment in long-term solutions
Ready to Transform Temporary Housing in Your Area?
Social Home provides the tools, resources, and network to improve housing standards and support vulnerable residents.
🔗 Sign up today and join a community of professionals making a difference:
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Together, we can ensure no one is left behind in substandard housing.