Temporary accommodation is a broad term that describes temporary housing for people who are homeless. It includes:
- B&Bs or hotels
- Private flat or house
- Council or housing association property
Anyone can be placed in temporary accommodation by local authorities providing the authority has reason to believe they are in priority need and eligible for assistance. This is often families with children, pregnant women, elderly people and individuals who are particularly vulnerable.
Although they have a roof over their head, temporary accommodation is not a home and for some, the experience of living here can be worse than being out on the streets.
At the latest government count, TA numbers were at 101,300 households - a record high.