Issue

Homelessness

164 stories · discussed at 249 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are developing new strategies and policies to address homelessness, focusing on prevention, housing supply, and managing rising temporary accommodation costs.

Hackney Council's trial of 'no fixed abode' market licenses in October 2026 successfully helped two individuals secure housing and income. Brent Council's Cabinet approved a five-year Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan (2026-2031) in October 2026, aiming to prevent homelessness for 42% of households at risk. Ealing Council's Cabinet also approved a new policy in October 2026 to standardise the placement of homeless households in temporary accommodation.

Councils continue to face significant financial pressures related to homelessness. Brent Council anticipates spending £38 million on nightly paid temporary accommodation, forecasting a £9.5 million overspend in September 2026. Enfield Council approved a £7.3 million budget realignment in September 2026, partly due to pressures in homelessness services. Croydon Council approved a Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2030) in September 2026, projecting £10 million in savings.

Croydon Council is also planning to build 1,000 new homes to address homelessness, submitting a bid to the Greater London Authority in September 2026. Hammersmith and Fulham Council unveiled its Housing Strategy for 2026-2031 in September 2026, prioritising homelessness prevention and affordable homes. Councils will continue to discuss homelessness at upcoming meetings, including Waltham Forest's Integrated Meeting of WF Health & Wellbeing and Health & Care Partnership Boards on October 19, 2026.

Key facts

  1. Hackney Council's 'no fixed abode' market licenses trial led to two individuals being housed and establishing income streams in October 2026. Source
  2. Brent Council's Cabinet approved a five-year Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan (2026-2031) on October 12, 2026. Source
  3. Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy for placing homeless households in temporary accommodation on October 7, 2026. Source
  4. Brent Council anticipates spending £38 million on nightly paid temporary accommodation, forecasting a £9.5 million overspend in September 2026. Source
  5. Croydon Council approved a Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2030) on September 23, 2026, projecting £10 million in savings. 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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 18

  1. Waltham Forest faces £31.4M budget overspend Waltham Forest is grappling with a significant budget overspend of £31.4 million, according to a recent report presented to the Budget Scrutiny Committee. Like many other local... Waltham Forest 8 September 2025
  2. Barking & Dagenham Review Officer Powers, Delegation Scheme Barking and Dagenham Council has undertaken a comprehensive review of its constitution, including officer powers and the delegation scheme, to enhance service performance and... Barking and Dagenham 3 August 2025
  3. Harrow Faces £5.9M Housing Overspend Due to Rising Homelessness Costs Harrow Council is facing significant financial challenges as rising homelessness costs have led to a £5.9 million overspend in the Housing General Fund. The council anticipates... Harrow 31 July 2025
  4. Brent Faces £30M Budget Gap Amid Rising Homelessness Costs Brent Council is grappling with a £30 million budget shortfall over the next three years, driven in part by rising homelessness costs, according to reports presented at a recent... Brent 31 July 2025
  5. Lambeth Council Faces £60.5M Overspend Driven by Housing Costs; Future Savings of £84M Needed Lambeth Council is facing a significant financial challenge, grappling with a £60.5 million overspend, primarily driven by rising housing costs for homeless families. The dire... Lambeth 29 July 2025
  6. H&F Council Faces £6.4M Overspend on Temporary Accommodation Hammersmith and Fulham Council is grappling with a significant overspend of £6.4 million on temporary accommodation, despite efforts to mitigate the rising costs of homelessness... Hammersmith and Fulham 29 July 2025
  7. Croydon to Improve Casework Training for Homelessness Services Croydon Council is set to enhance casework training for its homelessness services, aiming to improve support for residents facing housing challenges, with a particular emphasis... Croydon 29 July 2025
  8. Harrow Council's Risk Register Flags Homelessness, Finances, and Other Key Concerns Harrow Council's financial risk register has flagged increasing homelessness and budget pressures as key concerns, alongside challenges in adult social care and health and... Harrow 25 July 2025