Cost-of-living crisis
Kingston Council is opening a new unit for rough sleepers, while Waltham Forest Council has increased funding for grocery vouchers to support families during the cost-of-living crisis.
Kingston Council is addressing homelessness, a key impact of the cost-of-living crisis, by opening a new 14-bed unit for rough sleepers in January 2027. This aims to halve long-term rough sleeping over three years, as outlined in a November 2026 update to the Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committee by Amie Rickatson, Housing Solutions and Support Lead.
In September 2026, Waltham Forest Council approved a significant increase to the Edenred Grocery Voucher Scheme contract. This decision ensures that families entitled to benefits-related free school meals will continue to receive grocery vouchers during school holidays, providing direct support amidst rising costs.
Councils are also managing financial pressures. Haringey Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed a significant Q1 financial forecast overspend in September 2026. Similarly, Richmond upon Thames Council's Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee noted a revenue budget overspend in June 2026. No upcoming meetings on this topic are listed.
Key facts
- Kingston Council aims to halve the number of long-term rough sleepers over the next three years. Source
- Kingston Council is set to open a new 14-bed unit for rough sleepers in January 2027. Source
- Amie Rickatson, Housing Solutions and Support Lead, gave an update on Kingston Council's homelessness strategies in November 2026. 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 11 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.