London councils plan to launch modular housing firm

A group of London boroughs is planning to set up a not-for-profit company to deliver modular housing as emergency housing for homeless families.

The 16 boroughs that form part of the London Councils Temporary Accommodation Supply Group aim to set up a not-for-profit company that will allow them to procure and own factory-built homes.

The homes will be installed on “meanwhile” sites, which are generally commercial spaces that have been left empty after an occupant has left and another has yet to be found.

The accommodation can be moved elsewhere as and when needed, as a “cheaper and better quality” alternative to B&Bs and other temporary accommodation.

The group of boroughs, chaired by Tower Hamlets, has asked London mayor Sadiq Khan to approve the establishment of the not-for-profit company.

Khan has already agreed in principle to the award of £11m from the GLA Innovation Fund to deliver the modular accommodation.

London Councils, which represents all 32 of London’s borough councils and the City of London, has also put forward £20,000 in seed funding from its Capital Ambition programme.

Tower Hamlets’ cabinet was expected to approve the setting up of the company at a meeting last night.