Homelessness
Councils are focusing on new strategies, increasing housing supply, and managing rising temporary accommodation costs to address homelessness.
Croydon Council approved a new strategy in September 2026 to tackle homelessness and boost housing supply, projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. Hammersmith and Fulham Council also unveiled its 2026-2031 Housing Strategy in September 2026, prioritising homelessness prevention. Southwark Council overhauled its Housing Allocations Scheme in September 2026 for fairer social housing distribution. Hackney Council's Housing and Homelessness Scrutiny Commission launched a review into private landlord licensing in September 2026, noting a 29% decrease in prevention success since 2025/26.
Several councils are addressing temporary accommodation challenges. Brent Council is facing escalating costs, with an anticipated £38 million expenditure on nightly paid accommodation and a forecast £9.5 million overspend in September 2026. Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved spending £135 million on temporary accommodation over three years in September 2026. Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved an £18 million investment in September 2026 to convert four council-owned buildings into 60 temporary homes.
Croydon Council is set to build 1,000 new homes to tackle homelessness and has reduced void turnaround times by 55% since March 2023. Redbridge Council is developing a new Supported Housing Strategy, including short-term housing for those experiencing homelessness. Looking ahead, Tower Hamlets' Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee is scheduled to meet on 5 October 2026, and Waltham Forest's Shareholder Committee on 6 October 2026.
Key facts
- Croydon Council approved a new strategy in September 2026, projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. Source
- Brent Council is facing an anticipated £38 million expenditure on nightly paid accommodation. Source
- Lewisham Council approved spending £135 million on temporary accommodation over three years. Source
- Hackney Council experienced a 29% decrease in successful homelessness prevention outcomes since 2025/26. Source
- Waltham Forest Council approved an £18 million investment for 60 temporary homes. 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.