More Than 400 Chelmsford Families Living in Temporary Accommodation as Housing Pressures Grow

More than 400 families with children are living in temporary accommodation in Chelmsford, according to new figures released by the city council, as a shortage of affordable housing leaves some households facing years of uncertainty.

Chelmsford City Council has revealed that the total number of households in temporary accommodation increased from 523 to 587 over the past year, an increase of 64 households, or approximately 12%.

More than 400 of those households are families with children.

The figures were published as part of the council's updated Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy, approved by Cabinet on 13 October 2026.

The strategy sets out how the authority intends to prevent homelessness, support vulnerable residents and increase access to suitable accommodation over the coming years.

However, the council acknowledges that demand for affordable homes continues to exceed supply.

Families Face Years Waiting for Permanent Homes

One of the most concerning findings is the length of time some families may have to spend in temporary accommodation.

According to the council, families requiring a three-bedroom property can face waits of four to five years before suitable settled accommodation becomes available.

Temporary accommodation is intended to provide somewhere safe to live while a longer-term housing solution is found.

However, the shortage of affordable properties means that some households remain in temporary accommodation for extended periods.

This can create uncertainty for families over their future housing arrangements, particularly where accommodation is unsuitable for their longer-term needs or located away from established support networks.

The council says the lack of available affordable housing is a major obstacle to reducing the number of households requiring temporary accommodation.

Chelmsford Temporary Accommodation Numbers Rise

The latest figures illustrate the increasing pressure on local housing services.

The figures refer to households rather than individual people. The council has not provided a total number of children living in temporary accommodation in its public announcement.

The authority says the increase in Chelmsford has been less pronounced than in many comparable areas, but acknowledges that the underlying pressures remain substantial.

Affordable Housing Shortage Adds to Pressure

Chelmsford's housing difficulties are being compounded by high private rents and a shortage of affordable homes.

The council reports that only 195 homes were built for affordable rent during the previous year, which it describes as the lowest annual figure recorded locally and less than a third of the city's assessed need.

For households relying on housing benefit, private renting can also be financially difficult.

The council estimates that the difference between housing benefit and market rent for a family-sized property can approach £700 a month.

This gap can leave households unable to afford suitable accommodation even when properties are available.

The council says these pressures affect a range of residents, including people who are working but receive housing-related benefits because of their income.

Homelessness Among Older Residents Raises New Concerns

The updated strategy also identifies an emerging trend involving older residents.

Chelmsford City Council says increasing numbers of people in their 60s and 70s are presenting as homeless.

The authority intends to investigate the reasons behind this development and consider what additional support may be needed.

The council has not published a precise figure for this age group in its announcement.

The finding suggests that housing insecurity is affecting a broader range of households than those traditionally associated with homelessness services.

Council Plans More Temporary and Supported Homes

In response to rising demand, Chelmsford City Council has outlined several measures intended to increase accommodation and prevent homelessness.

These include:

  • 60 additional temporary accommodation units planned for Chelmsford city centre.
  • New modular homes at Meteor Way, using council-owned land to provide energy-efficient accommodation.
  • 60 additional supported homes for people with mental health needs, survivors of domestic abuse and young people.
  • Expanded homelessness prevention services, including more assistance for households trying to secure private rented accommodation.

The council also intends to strengthen its work with local housing organisations and charities.

These measures form part of its wider strategy to reduce the number of people becoming homeless and help households move towards more stable accommodation.

The additional homes are proposals or planned developments and should not be regarded as already available.

Progress in Preventing Homelessness

Despite the challenges, the council says several initiatives have delivered positive results.

Over the previous year, the authority and its partners, including CHESS and Sanctuary Housing, created 54 homes with support for people who had experienced long-term rough sleeping or had mental health needs.

The council has also relaunched its Housing First initiative in partnership with Delta Housing.

Meanwhile, homelessness associated with domestic abuse fell by approximately one fifth following measures including an initiative designed to remove perpetrators from homes rather than requiring victims to leave.

Currently, around 41% of households approaching the council while at risk of homelessness are helped to retain their existing accommodation or move somewhere safe and stable.

The council aims to increase that proportion to more than half by 2027/28.

Council Says Housing Pressures Are Increasing

Councillor Kieron Franks, Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet Member for a Fairer Chelmsford, said local authorities were facing increasing difficulties keeping residents securely housed.

He highlighted the long-term shortage of social and affordable housing and said the revised strategy would provide clearer targets for tackling the problem.

The council acknowledges that meeting those targets will be challenging, particularly while demand for accommodation continues to exceed the number of suitable homes becoming available.

What Should Residents Do if They Are at Risk of Homelessness?

Chelmsford City Council encourages anyone worried about losing their home to seek advice as early as possible.

Residents do not need to wait until they have lost their accommodation before contacting the council for assistance.

The council can provide advice about housing options, homelessness prevention and the support available to eligible households.

Chelmsford City Council Housing Services

Telephone: 01245 602400

Website: Chelmsford City Council – Housing and Homelessness

Anyone concerned about a person sleeping rough can also contact StreetLink, which helps connect people with local outreach services.

A Continuing Challenge for Chelmsford

The latest figures demonstrate the scale of the housing pressures facing Chelmsford.

With 587 households in temporary accommodation, including more than 400 families with children, the challenge extends well beyond providing short-term emergency shelter.

For many residents, the central difficulty is finding an affordable, suitable and secure home.

The council's revised strategy outlines measures intended to improve the situation, but the latest figures show that significant pressures remain.

Chelmsford City Hub will continue to monitor the city's homelessness figures, affordable housing provision and progress towards the council's new targets.

Official sources: