Issue

Homelessness

163 stories · discussed at 241 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are approving new strategies to combat homelessness and manage temporary accommodation costs.

Brent Council approved a five-year action plan to combat homelessness and rough sleeping on Monday 12 October 2026, aiming to prevent homelessness for 42% of households. In September 2026, Croydon Council approved a new strategy to tackle homelessness and boost housing supply, projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. Hammersmith and Fulham Council also unveiled its new Housing Strategy for 2026-2031 in September 2026, with preventing homelessness as a key priority.

Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy on Wednesday 7 October 2026 to standardise the placement of homeless households in temporary accommodation. Brent Council is facing escalating costs for temporary accommodation, with an anticipated expenditure of £38 million on nightly paid accommodation, as highlighted by a councillor in September 2026. Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved an £18 million investment in September 2026 to convert four buildings into 60 temporary homes for homeless families.

Croydon Council plans to build 1,000 new homes to address homelessness and increase housing supply, as discussed in September 2026. Enfield Council's Cabinet approved a £7.3 million budget realignment in September 2026, partly due to pressures in homelessness services. Upcoming discussions on homelessness are scheduled for the Merton Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Lambeth Council on 14 October 2026, and the Kensington and Chelsea Housing & Communities Select Committee on 19 October 2026.

Key facts

  1. Brent Council approved a five-year action plan to combat homelessness and rough sleeping on Monday 12 October 2026. Source
  2. Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy for placing homeless households in temporary accommodation on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Source
  3. Croydon Council approved a new strategy to tackle homelessness and boost housing supply on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. Source
  4. Brent Council is facing an anticipated expenditure of £38 million on nightly paid temporary accommodation. Source
  5. Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved an £18 million investment to convert four buildings into 60 temporary homes on Tuesday, 8 September 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 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 20

  1. Wandsworth Council to Lease 186 New Temporary Accommodation Units in Tooting Broadway Wandsworth Council is set to lease 186 new temporary accommodation units in the Tooting Broadway ward, a move aimed at providing stable housing for homeless families and... Wandsworth 17 July 2025
  2. Hillingdon Council Urges Government to Increase Support for Asylum Seekers and Refund Local Costs Hillingdon Council has called on the government to provide more support for asylum seekers housed in the borough, citing an unsustainable burden on local residents and a £5... Hillingdon 16 July 2025
  3. iGAS Cluster Identified in Camden & Islington, Primarily Affecting Vulnerable Populations A cluster of Invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) cases has been identified in Camden and Islington, according to a health protection update presented at the Camden Health and... Camden 13 July 2025
  4. Southwark Council to Decriminalise Rough Sleeping and Appoint Rough Sleeper Coordinator Southwark Council is set to decriminalise rough sleeping, marking a significant shift in its approach to tackling homelessness in the borough. This move addresses the current... Southwark 13 July 2025
  5. Merton Council Allocates £20M for Temporary Housing; Addresses Concerns About Children in Temporary Accommodation Merton Council has allocated £20 million to purchase temporary accommodation within the borough. The council aims to purchase various types of temporary accommodation within... Merton 13 July 2025
  6. Haringey Fails to Secure Provider for Young Women's Housing Haringey Council has been unable to secure a provider for housing support services specifically tailored for young women, raising concerns about the future of this vital service. Haringey 12 July 2025
  7. Camden Council Faces £22.8m General Fund Overspend Amidst Rising Costs and Uncertain Funding Camden Council faces significant financial challenges, reporting a £22.8m overspend in its General Fund and a £3.2m overspend in the Housing Revenue Account. This financial... Camden 12 July 2025
  8. Homeless Get Dental Care Thanks to Bromley Healthcare Bromley Healthcare has implemented a dental service for homeless individuals, providing oral health advice and clinical follow-up appointments. The service is delivered in... Bromley 9 July 2025