Issue

cost of living crisis

10 stories · discussed at 16 council meetings · 15 councils

Councils are currently focusing on direct support for vulnerable families and developing broader strategies to mitigate the cost of living crisis.

Waltham Forest Council boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million in September 2026, bringing the total to over £2.3 million, to support vulnerable families during school holidays, as decided by Councillor Treacy. Richmond upon Thames' Finance, Policy and Resources Committee also approved funding for cost of living support in June 2026.

Southwark Council adopted a new plan in September 2026 to combat high child poverty rates, affecting 43.3% of families after housing costs. The plan, outlined in the motion "Affordable, Safe, and Green", aims to address the cost of living crisis and increase access to jobs and affordable homes.

The cost of living crisis refers to a period of significant increases in the cost of essential goods and services, impacting household budgets. In December 2025, Wandsworth Council decided to increase council housing rents by 2.7% from April 2025 due to financial pressures. Lewisham Council extended its Advice Services Grant through 2029 in October 2025 to provide continued support for residents. No upcoming meetings are currently listed with this topic on their agenda.

Key facts

  1. Waltham Forest Council boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million in September 2026. Source
  2. Southwark Council adopted a plan in September 2026 to address the cost of living crisis and child poverty. Source
  3. Wandsworth Council decided to increase council housing rents by 2.7% from April 2025. Source
  4. Lewisham Council extended its Advice Services Grant through 2029 in October 2025. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Barking & Dagenham to Consult on New 'Our B&D' Vision to Address Post-Brexit, Pandemic, and Cost of Living Challenges Barking & Dagenham Council is set to consult with residents on a new vision for the borough, dubbed 'Our B&D', aiming to address the evolving needs of the community in the wake... Barking and Dagenham 17 July 2025
  2. Sutton Council Addresses Rising Social Care Needs and Cost of Living Crisis, Calls for National Reform Sutton is grappling with increasing social care demands as residents face a cost of living crisis, the council heard on Monday, 14 July 2025. Sutton 17 July 2025