The Five Basics are amenities we all rely on: cooking, laundry, Wi-Fi, storage and clear information.
Yet families in temporary accommodation (TA) are expected to cope without them, often for years at a time, and it’s harming residents’ wellbeing. Without these amenities, it’s hard for families in TA to function, stay healthy and connected, and to get their lives back on track.
That’s why the Better TA alliance is calling on councils to guarantee the Five Basics in every placement.
1 in 50 Londoners are currently stuck in ‘temporary’ accommodation, and too often, they lack these five basic amenities:
COOKING FACILITIES: a place to prepare a hot meal
LAUNDRY ACCESS: a way to wash clothes that is affordable and easy-access
WIFI: reliable, free internet connection WiFi
SECURE STORAGE: somewhere to safely store personal belongings
CLEAR INFORMATION: updates on rights, repairs and move‑on plans.
Ask your local council to
Fix The Five Basics today
What is the Temporary Accommodation Crisis?
Around 70,000 households in London are homeless and living in temporary accommodation (TA). As its name signals, TA was only ever meant to be just that – temporary. But without affordable housing, families can be in TA for long periods of time, often separated from their communities and in sub-standard conditions
The Five Basics is one of several campaigns aiming to ensure that stays in TA are as short, safe and healthy as possible, as we work to end the use of Temporary Accommodation altogether.
