A significant investment could see as many as 150 short-term dwellings established in the city.

Oxford City Council’s cabinet has given the green light to the initiative, which seeks to cut reliance on hotel placements and address increasing demand for support services for those without stable housing.

The authority plans to spend up to £32 million on approximately 150 extra temporary accommodation units by 2028/29.

This would increase the council’s overall portfolio to 560 properties it either owns or manages.

The capital will be allocated toward acquiring fresh properties and returning current council-owned residences to active use.

Councillor Linda Smith, who serves as the cabinet member responsible for housing and communities, explained that services supporting those without permanent homes are facing exceptional strain, with growing numbers seeking assistance. She emphasised the importance of the council acting now to expand temporary accommodation capacity, ensuring the authority can continue supporting vulnerable individuals rather than falling behind demand. The investment, she noted, would enable the provision of cooking facilities and the security of a permanent address for people experiencing difficulty and facing housing instability.

The proposal is anticipated to substantially decrease the council’s dependence on hotels and accommodation paid for on a night-by-night basis, including bed and breakfast establishments.

Had no action been taken, yearly expenditure on such placements was forecast to approach roughly £2.4 million by 2025/26.

The quantity of families residing in temporary accommodation has risen dramatically, climbing from 116 in March 2023 to 309 by November 2025.

This surge mirrors broader national patterns, including climbing rental costs and a scarcity of reasonably-priced properties.