Homelessness
Councils are addressing rising homelessness costs and demand through new strategies, housing supply initiatives, and temporary accommodation investments.
Croydon Council approved a new strategy in September 2026 to tackle homelessness and boost housing supply, projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. This comes as Brent Council anticipates spending £38 million on nightly paid temporary accommodation, forecasting a significant overspend in September 2026. Lewisham Council also approved £135 million for temporary accommodation over three years in September 2026 to meet statutory duties.
Hackney Council is investing £145 million in its Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation Supply Transformation Programme for 2026/27, though it saw a 29% drop in homelessness prevention success in the first four months of 2026/27. Waltham Forest Council approved an £18 million investment in September 2026 to convert four buildings into 60 temporary homes. Croydon Council plans 1,000 new homes and reduced void turnaround times by 55% to 47 days by September 2026.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council unveiled its 2026-2031 Housing Strategy in September 2026, prioritising homelessness prevention and affordable homes. Southwark Council overhauled its Housing Allocations Scheme in September 2026 to focus on housing need. Tower Hamlets Council is committing £609 million to housing upgrades over the next decade, discussed in October 2026. Waltham Forest's Shareholder Committee will receive an update on its housing scheme on 6 October 2026, and Hounslow's Cabinet Member Single Member Decision on 6 October 2026 involves approving funding for a new residential children's home.
Key facts
- Croydon Council approved a new strategy in September 2026, projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. Source
- Brent Council anticipates spending £38 million on nightly paid temporary accommodation, forecasting an overspend in September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council approved spending £135 million on temporary accommodation over three years in September 2026. Source
- Hackney Council is investing £145 million in its Homelessness Transformation Programme for 2026/27. Source
- Hackney Council saw a 29% drop in homelessness prevention success in the first four months of 2026/27. 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 6 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.