Council spending on temporary accommodation

Request a breakdown of council spending on temporary accommodation by type.

Councils have a duty to provide temporary accommodation for homeless people. Understanding how much is spent, and on what type, shows whether public money is going to expensive B&Bs or more sustainable options.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information about temporary accommodation in [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The total amount spent on temporary accommodation. 2. A breakdown of that spending by type of accommodation: bed and breakfast, hotel, hostel, private rental, and any other type. 3. The number of households placed in each type of accommodation during the same period. I would prefer to receive this by email. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Your local council. You can find your council on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • Name the specific financial year you are interested in. Councils organise their budgets by financial year (April to March).
  • You can follow up with a separate request for trends over multiple years once you have the first year’s figures.
  • If the council says this would exceed the cost limit, narrow your request to one quarter of the financial year.