Minister Criticises London Councils Over Evictions

Key Points

• Homelessness minister Alison McGovern has criticised London borough councils over evictions linked to property purchases.
• Concerns arise that tenants are being forced out so homes can be used as temporary accommodation.
• An investigation by Katherine Gray of the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed gaps in council data.
• One third of London councils do not track whether tenants are evicted during property acquisitions.
• Westminster and Enfield councils have acknowledged evictions occurring during purchases.
• Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions were used in at least two cases in 2024 before becoming illegal.
• The Labour government banned Section 21 evictions from 1 May under renters’ rights legislation.
• McGovern stressed councils must ensure no one becomes homeless during property purchases.
• Housing campaigner Dr Glyn Robbins highlighted the paradox of creating homelessness to solve homelessness.
• London faces over 100,000 long-term empty homes alongside rising homelessness figures.
• Temporary accommodation reliance continues to rise due to a shortage of social housing.
• Figures from Trust for London show temporary accommodation numbers rising sharply since 2011.
• Councils are increasingly purchasing homes to reduce reliance on hotels and B&Bs.

London (Britain Today News) July 09, 2026 – A government minister has issued strong criticism of London borough councils amid growing concerns that tenants are being evicted from their homes during property purchases intended for temporary accommodation, raising serious questions about fairness and housing policy in the capital.

Homelessness minister Alison McGovern said councils must ensure no individuals are made homeless as a result of such transactions, following revelations uncovered through an investigation conducted by Katherine Gray of the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). The findings suggest that in some cases, landlords may be removing tenants to facilitate property sales to councils, effectively displacing residents in order to house others in need.

What Did the Investigation Reveal About Evictions?

As reported by Katherine Gray of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the investigation highlighted a troubling lack of oversight among London councils. Through a series of Freedom of Information requests, it was found that eleven boroughs do not record whether tenants are evicted during the process of acquiring properties for temporary housing.

This absence of data raises concerns about transparency and accountability. Without proper tracking, it is difficult to determine the scale of the issue or ensure that ethical housing practices are being followed. The investigation suggests that the true number of affected tenants could be significantly higher than currently known.

Why Are Councils Purchasing Homes for Temporary Accommodation?

London borough councils are increasingly purchasing properties on the open market to address the growing demand for temporary accommodation. This strategy is intended to reduce reliance on expensive and often unsuitable options such as hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments.

The shortage of social housing, combined with a rising number of homeless households, has forced councils to explore alternative solutions. Buying homes provides a more stable and potentially cost-effective option in the long term. However, the process has come under scrutiny due to its unintended consequences.

Are Tenants Being Evicted to Enable Property Sales?

Evidence suggests that in some cases, landlords may be issuing eviction notices to tenants in order to proceed with sales to councils. As reported by Katherine Gray of the LDRS, at least two London boroughs—Westminster and Enfield—have acknowledged awareness of such practices.

In Enfield, two households were recorded in 2024 as having been evicted using Section 21 ‘no fault’ notices. These notices allowed landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason, a practice that has since been outlawed under new legislation.

What Did Alison McGovern Say About the Situation?

Responding to the investigation, homelessness minister Alison McGovern emphasised the importance of fairness and security in housing.

She stated:

“Everyone deserves the security of a safe home, and it’s only right that everyone is treated fairly every step of the way. That’s why we expect councils to make sure no one is impacted when homes are being purchased.”

McGovern also highlighted government efforts to improve housing conditions, adding:

“We’re also supporting councils to improve temporary accommodation by helping families move out of B&Bs and into more suitable homes.”

She further noted:

“Backed by £39 billion, we’re delivering a generational boost to social and affordable housing and supporting councils to provide better temporary accommodation, tackling the housing crisis head on and giving people the stability they deserve.”

How Did Previous Cases Spark Public Reaction?

Earlier reporting by the LDRS in March revealed that tenants in Kew were being asked to leave their homes so Westminster City Council could use the properties for temporary accommodation. This development triggered strong criticism from Richmond Council.

Following media coverage, Westminster City Council reportedly informed some residents that they could remain in their homes, indicating that public scrutiny can influence outcomes.

What Are Experts Saying About This Housing Practice?

Housing academic and campaigner Dr Glyn Robbins provided critical insight into the issue, highlighting its broader implications.

As reported by Katherine Gray of the LDRS, Dr Robbins said:

“Before making people homeless to house the homeless, politicians and policy makers should develop an urgent, robust policy of bringing empty homes back into use.”

He continued:

“In addition to empty homes, London now has millions of square feet of empty office space. This post-Covid legacy is highly unlikely to change.”

Dr Robbins suggested that councils could adopt more sustainable solutions, stating:

“London councils could develop a city-wide strategy for proper and environmentally sensitive use of empty offices for housing.”

How Many Empty Homes Exist in London?

One of the key points raised in the debate is the existence of a significant number of unused properties. Dr Robbins estimated that there are at least 100,000 long-term empty homes in London.

These properties represent a potential resource that could be utilised to address the housing crisis without displacing existing tenants. However, bringing these homes into use would require substantial policy changes and investment.

What Role Does Office Space Play in the Housing Debate?

The shift towards remote and hybrid working following the COVID-19 pandemic has left large amounts of office space vacant across London. This presents an opportunity for redevelopment into residential housing.

However, Dr Robbins warned that not all conversions are suitable, noting that some examples of non-residential buildings being turned into housing have been substandard. He emphasised the need for careful planning and environmental consideration.

Why Is Temporary Accommodation Increasing in London?

The demand for temporary accommodation has been steadily rising over the past decade. According to figures from Trust for London, the number of people living in temporary accommodation increased from 38,805 in 2011 to 74,858 in 2025.

This sharp increase reflects broader challenges in the housing market, including high property prices, limited social housing availability, and growing population pressures.

What Types of Temporary Accommodation Are Being Used?

Much of London’s temporary accommodation consists of nightly paid options, including hotels and self-catered units. These arrangements are often costly for councils and can be unsuitable for long-term living.

As a result, councils are seeking to transition towards more stable housing solutions by purchasing properties. While this approach has potential benefits, it must be implemented carefully to avoid negative consequences.
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What Changes Have Been Made to Eviction Laws?

The Labour government introduced new renters’ rights legislation on 1 May, making Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions illegal. This change aims to provide greater security for tenants and prevent arbitrary displacement.

However, the investigation indicates that such evictions were still occurring prior to the law’s implementation, raising concerns about past practices and their impact on affected households.

What Challenges Do Councils Face in Addressing Homelessness?

London councils are under significant pressure to manage rising homelessness levels with limited resources. The lack of affordable housing options makes it difficult to provide stable accommodation for those in need.

Balancing the urgency of housing homeless families with the rights of existing tenants presents a complex challenge. Policymakers must navigate these competing priorities while ensuring fairness and transparency.

What Is the Future of Housing Policy in London?

The current controversy highlights the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to housing in London. This includes increasing the supply of social housing, utilising empty properties, and ensuring ethical practices in property acquisition.

As Dr Robbins suggested, addressing the housing crisis may require a fundamental rethink of how housing is valued and managed in society. Government investment and policy reform will play a crucial role in shaping the future.

The criticism from homelessness minister Alison McGovern has brought renewed attention to the practices of London councils in acquiring properties for temporary accommodation. While the goal of addressing homelessness is widely supported, the methods used must not create further hardship for existing tenants.

The findings of the Local Democracy Reporting Service investigation underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in housing policy. As London continues to its housing challenges, ensuring fairness for all residents remains a critical priority.