Richmond upon Thames is grappling with a significant homelessness crisis, leading to a projected £2.2 million overspend in the council's budget. The Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee reviewed the Q2 Quarterly Monitoring Report at a meeting on Monday, 17 November 2025, revealing the financial strain primarily caused by increased demand for homelessness services. The rise in homelessness is attributed to several factors including the end of pandemic protections, volatility and unaffordability in the Private Rented Sector (PRS), cost of living pressures, domestic abuse, and hidden homelessness and overcrowding.

The report indicated a projected overspend of £2.204 million against a revenue budget of £75.370 million. While the adult social care budget remains on target, the surge in homelessness cases has pushed the overall budget into the red.

Dave Worth, Director of Housing Services, addressed the committee, linking the rise in homelessness to the upcoming implementation of the Renters Reform Bill. He explained that demand for homelessness services has increased significantly in the last six months, mirroring a national trend where temporary accommodation numbers are at an all-time high.

![Bar chart showing the number of homeless presentations over the last two years.](https://opencouncil.network/rails/activestorage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBL2ZIRkE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--30e14ef34b83c7dac49d9ffe5960292eb1a7df79/page4Figure_0.jpeg Bar chart showing the number of homeless presentations over the last two years.

Mr. Worth speculated that the Renters Reform Act, which intends to abolish Section 21 evictions and strengthen tenants' rights, could eventually lead to a decrease in demand. He cautioned, however, that a transition period is expected due to backlogs in the courts, with the full impact of the legislation potentially not felt until late 2026 or 2027.

According to Mr. Worth, nearly 200 of the 700 families currently in temporary accommodation became homeless after being evicted from private rented sector housing. He speculated that the Renters Reform Act could lead to a 10-15% drop in demand once the changes take effect.

Councillor Stephen O'Shea inquired about how the effectiveness of the new domestic abuse policy would be measured, and was told that domestic abuse as a cause of homelessness is already monitored. Support services available in Richmond upon Thames for those experiencing domestic abuse who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness include the Refuge Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy (IDVA) Service, One Stop Shops, Children and Adult Social Care, Sanctuary Schemes, GPs and charities.

Councillor Richard Bennett, Chair of Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee, raised concerns about an overspend in telecare income following a transfer from housing, and was told that the income budget is underachieving and is being looked at, and options for improving income are being explored. Procurements in the area of care technology are underway, according to the Care Technology Procurement in Adult Social Care Report.