Ealing agrees three steps on homelessness: rules, accommodation and consultation

Ealing Council has agreed a package of three measures for people who are homeless, sleeping rough or at risk of losing their home. Decisions made on 7 October cover a new policy for placing households in temporary accommodation, a renewed arrangement for families and a five-year strategy that will now go to consultation.

Who should receive priority

The new placement policy for temporary accommodation and private rented sector offers introduces three priority zones. It is intended to make decisions about where households are placed more transparent and consistent while recognising that the supply of suitable accommodation is limited.

People with particular medical, social care or educational needs will be prioritised for homes within the borough. Other groups, including families with children and care leavers, will be given priority for accommodation within a defined distance of Ealing. The council says every placement must still take account of the household’s individual circumstances.

Temporary accommodation for families

The second element is a new two-year lease for The Barn Hotel in Ruislip, which is used as emergency temporary accommodation for homeless Ealing families. The council says the arrangement should reduce reliance on more expensive and less suitable bed-and-breakfast accommodation.

The site has on-site management, cooking facilities and laundry facilities. Under the new lease, rooms are being altered to create larger family spaces and improved areas for preparing food. Support services are also being developed to help families obtain advice and move towards more settled accommodation.

The 2026–31 strategy is not final

The third part is a draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026–31. An official decision published on 8 October approves consultation for a minimum of six weeks. The final strategy, delivery plan and consultation findings are due to return for approval afterwards.

The draft focuses on preventing homelessness earlier, helping people move more quickly into settled homes, improving experiences in temporary accommodation and providing support that helps people maintain independence. The decision is subject to the council’s call-in process until 14 October and is due to come into force on 15 October if it is not challenged.

How to ask for help

Anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness can make an application through Ealing Council’s online portal. Applications are monitored on weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm, and the council says a team member should make contact within two working days.

Residents can also telephone 020 8825 8888 or email HomelessnessAdvice@ealing.gov.uk. In an emergency, including a situation in which it is not safe to remain at home, people should not wait for the strategy consultation to begin before contacting the housing advice service.

The three measures operate at different stages: immediate placement decisions, the quality and stability of temporary accommodation, and longer-term prevention policy. Residents should therefore distinguish between a request for urgent housing help and the forthcoming opportunity to comment on the wider strategy.