Issue

Homelessness

163 stories · discussed at 240 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 8

  1. Bexley Council's Future Bexley Framework faces scrutiny over complexity Bexley Council's Future Bexley Assurance Framework, designed to safeguard frontline services and ensure financial resilience, has been met with concerns over its complexity and... Bexley 10 July 2026
  2. New Homes Scrutiny Committee to oversee housing in Brent Brent Council has established a new Homes Scrutiny Committee to provide dedicated oversight of the borough's housing functions, a move prompted by serious failings identified by... Brent 7 July 2026
  3. Brent Council Scrutiny Committee Reviews Safeguarding Adults Board Data Needs and Strategic Plan Brent Council's Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee has reviewed the safeguarding data needs of the borough, with a particular focus on the annual reports from the Brent... Brent 2 July 2026
  4. Bexley Children's Services Transformation Targets £1.98 Million Savings Through Commissioning Redesign and Practice Model Review Bexley's Children's Services is undergoing a significant transformation, the Future Bexley Children's Transformation programme, with a focus on improving outcomes for young... Bexley 1 July 2026
  5. Barnet Council to consult on gambling policy Barnet Council is preparing to consult the public on its Gambling Statement of Principles, a crucial document that will guide the regulation of gambling premises across the... Barnet 3 June 2026
  6. Harrow Council approves community housing scheme for vulnerable residents on brownfield site Harrow Council's Planning Committee has approved a community-led housing scheme that will provide much-needed affordable homes for vulnerable residents. Harrow 30 May 2026
  7. Tower Hamlets Council approves allowance increase Tower Hamlets Council has approved a significant increase to its Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026-27, following a four-year freeze. Tower Hamlets 22 May 2026
  8. Council to implement Renters' Rights Act 2025 Newham Council is set to implement the Renters' Rights Act 2025, introducing significant new protections and responsibilities for tenants and landlords in the borough. The... Newham 4 May 2026