Families residing in temporary housing have voiced strong concerns about “intimidating” surprise visits from a council in South London, expressing that these interactions have instilled a fear of potential eviction.

Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth (HASL) reported that several families experienced unannounced visits from housing officials at Lambeth Council, while others received sudden notifications about relocations far beyond London.

The advocacy group stated that the council’s attempts to lower the expenses associated with temporary housing have contributed to a “confusing and stressful” atmosphere for these families.

In response, Lambeth Council emphasized its responsibility to verify living conditions in temporary accommodations and assist families in securing stable, long-term housing solutions.

In November, the council revealed that a majority of homeless families would need to be relocated outside the borough, frequently to areas beyond the Southeast, due to a scarcity of appropriate local accommodation.

This decision came after a comprehensive reassessment of its Placement Policy, which had not seen significant changes for over ten years.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the cost of temporary accommodation in Lambeth has surged past £100 million annually, with the council facing a pressure to cut £183 million from its budget over the next four years.

To date, it has identified nearly £99 million in savings, but still needs to find an additional £84 million by March 2026.

Over the past two years, the number of households receiving support from the council has risen by approximately 50%, with more than 4,600 families currently residing in temporary housing each night.

Two families experiencing homelessness chose to share their stories anonymously with the LDRS.

One individual, a member of HASL for three years, recounted that the council informed her family they needed to vacate their temporary accommodation and seek a home in the private rental market.

She described the anxiety and pressure of being given just 56 days to find a private rental.

Another resident expressed her belief that she was being compelled to leave her temporary accommodation after what she characterized as “intimidating” encounters with housing officials.

She commented, “Without the support of Elizabeth Wyatt from HASL, I would have been extremely frightened. I lack knowledge of my rights, but thanks to Liz and the group, I feel less fearful now.”

Having been on the housing waiting list for nearly eight and a half years, she questioned the rationale behind moving her family to areas outside of London, suggesting it seemed to be the council’s intention.

When she inquired with the council about their motives, they cited the high living costs both in the borough and in London.

In October, HASL organized a demonstration outside the Lambeth Civic Centre, aiming to deliver a letter urging the council to halt what they deemed “unannounced and intimidating visits”. However, the council allegedly refused to accept their communication.

Wyatt expressed her astonishment at hearing reports of housing officials conducting surprise visits to families in temporary accommodations.

She noted that such encounters left members feeling like they were on the verge of eviction, with one family receiving an email indicating they would be relocated to Dover.

Wyatt also criticized the council’s approach of offering private rental housing to homeless families, which she labeled as “private sector discharge”—a policy the council had not previously implemented.

“This strategy not only perpetuates a cycle of homelessness but also undermines essential rights for those facing homelessness,” she asserted.

Danny Adilypour, the deputy leader and cabinet member for housing at Lambeth Council, stated that the authority is striving to support homeless families with compassion.

The Labour councillor acknowledged the efforts to construct new affordable housing on council land but recognized that the severity of the crisis requires more than what’s currently achievable, given a long history of decreasing social housing availability.

“This situation is a tragedy for all families involved and is exerting unbearable stress on council finances,” Adilypour remarked.

He indicated that the council prioritizes the limited social housing resources for those in greatest need, yet generally has to look beyond the borough for permanent housing solutions.

“Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to providing homeless families with the stability and security they desperately seek by arranging longer-term placements that cater to their familial, cultural, and community needs,” he added.