Glossary
Emergency accommodation
In one sentence
A place to stay at short notice, often arranged by a council under its interim homelessness duty.
Emergency accommodation is not automatically supported housing. A placement only counts as exempt accommodation if the landlord and support tests are met.
Councils must provide interim accommodation when they have reason to believe someone may be homeless, eligible for help and in priority need. Night shelters and severe weather beds are emergency accommodation run outside those statutory duties, usually by charities.