Cost of living
Councils are currently addressing the cost of living by providing direct financial support to residents and grappling with the impact of inflation on council budgets and service delivery.
Barking and Dagenham Council is facing pressure to address food insecurity, with a September 2026 report indicating 20.1% of residents experienced hunger due to affordability issues. Tower Hamlets Council approved an extension to its school uniform grant in July 2026, increasing the income threshold to £60,000 to support families. Wandsworth Council froze parking charges in November 2025 to ease financial strain on residents, and Haringey Council launched a £66,000 Council Tax Hardship Fund in December 2025 for residents struggling with bills.
Merton Council is facing a projected budget gap of £9.694 million by 2027/28, attributed to global geopolitical issues impacting inflation, particularly utility costs, as highlighted in a July 2026 Cabinet meeting. Bexley Council was facing a projected budget overspend of £1.76 million for the 2025/26 financial year, primarily in Adult Social Care and Public Health, according to a February 2026 report. Richmond upon Thames was facing a projected £2.8 million overspend in September 2025, driven by rising homelessness costs.
Hammersmith and Fulham's Climate, Sustainability and Travel Policy and Accountability Committee outlined in July 2026 that energy bills and building retrofitting will be key areas of examination, with a commitment to reduce energy bills for residents. Westminster City Council was examining in September 2025 how vulnerable residents access community pharmacies and medicines, concerned about the impact of rising costs. No upcoming meetings are listed as having this topic on their agenda.
Key facts
- A September 2026 report indicated 20.1% of Barking and Dagenham residents experienced hunger due to affordability issues. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council approved an extension to its school uniform grant in July 2026, increasing the income threshold to £60,000. Source
- Merton Council is facing a projected budget gap of £9.694 million by the financial year 2027/28, as highlighted in July 2026. Source
- Haringey Council launched a Council Tax Hardship Fund with an initial allocation of £66,000 in December 2025. Source
- Wandsworth Council allocated £193,710 to 14 community organisations in November 2025 to help them cope with rising costs. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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.