Croydon Council avoids £426,000 in temporary housing as 63 families relocate through Reloc8
The scheme moved households out of the borough after a surge of 4,400 new homelessness applications in 2025/26, offering supported rent‑controlled homes elsewhere.
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Croydon Council announced that the Reloc8 initiative has helped 63 households relocate outside the borough, averting an estimated £426,000 in emergency housing costs. The figures relate to applications received in the 2025/26 financial year, when the council logged around 4,400 new homelessness requests.
Why the scheme was introduced
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Council officials said the surge in homelessness applications, combined with a shortage of affordable homes locally, forced them to look beyond Croydon for suitable rentals. Reloc8 is designed to match families with private‑rented properties in other regions when a comparable home cannot be found within the borough.
The programme evaluates each household’s employment, schooling, health and support needs before proposing a move. If a property meets the criteria, the council arranges transport of belongings, furnishes the new home where required, and maintains contact after the tenancy begins.
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One participant, identified only as Sarah to protect her privacy, faced eviction after a Section 21 notice. After contacting her housing officer, she was offered a house through Reloc8 and moved the same day her Croydon tenancy ended. The council organised the removal of her stored items and supplied a starter hamper.
Every family deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Sarah described the transition as “a blessing”, noting that her children avoided temporary accommodation and that the rent in the new location is considerably lower. She also highlighted the ongoing phone checks from both her housing officer and Reloc8 staff, which she said prevented her from feeling isolated.
Future of Reloc8
Council representatives said the next phase will involve monitoring long‑term outcomes for relocated families and reviewing the cost‑benefit balance each year. They added that households still seeking local solutions will continue to be prioritised, but Reloc8 remains an option when suitable homes are unavailable in Croydon.
Residents who believe they qualify for the scheme are advised to contact Croydon’s housing advice team, which can assess eligibility and begin the placement process. The council will publish quarterly updates on the number of moves and any additional savings achieved.
Questions this report answers
+How many new homelessness applications did Croydon Council receive in 2025/26?
The council reported approximately 4,400 new applications for the 2025/26 year. This high volume reflects rising demand for emergency housing support and underpins the need for alternatives such as the Reloc8 programme.
+What financial impact has Reloc8 had so far?
By May 2026, the council estimated that moving 63 households through Reloc8 avoided about £426,000 in temporary accommodation costs. The savings are calculated by comparing the expense of emergency housing with the lower rent secured for each family.
+What support do families receive when they move through Reloc8?
Participating households get assistance with finding suitable homes, transport of belongings, provision of essential furniture and appliances, and regular follow‑up calls after they settle. The council’s housing officers coordinate these services throughout the relocation.
+How can residents apply for Reloc8?
People who are at risk of homelessness should contact Croydon Council’s housing advice service. Officers will evaluate individual circumstances, consider local options first, and if none are suitable, may refer the household to Reloc8 for placement elsewhere.
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