A London council is to buy 26 flats from a housing association to provide accommodation for homeless families. But the move will mean the current association tenants must move out.

A statement from Newham council says: “A national shortage of housing which has placed exceptional pressures on local authorities like Newham, means the Council continues to explore all possible options to reduce its number of households in temporary accommodation; at 6,500 currently, the highest in London.

“Newham has taken effective steps to reduce the number in nightly booked accommodation such as hotels, but still faces an ongoing challenge.

“The flats, which will be managed for the Council by a third party, will be let at affordable rates to nominated homeless households.”

However the purchase will not complete until next summer to allow the housing association to find alternative accommodation for its tenants.

A council spokesperson says: “The Council is committed to working with Look Ahead [the housing association] to ensure residents are supported throughout this process with the utmost sensitivity and care, prioritising their wellbeing and a smooth relocation.

“The Council is committed to support those experiencing homelessness, treat them with respect and dignity and find wider sustainable solutions. We want to improve social and wellbeing outcomes for them as well as reducing the budgetary pressure on the Council.”