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 7

  1. Hackney to insource Family Group Conferencing Hackney Council's Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee has agreed to bring the Family Group Conferencing (FGC) service back in-house, creating a new Family Led Decision... Hackney 19 July 2026
  2. Haringey Council Approves New Contract to Expedite Council Home Repairs Haringey Council's Cabinet has approved a new contract aimed at speeding up repairs to council homes. Haringey 18 July 2026
  3. Merton Council buys 125 homes for homeless Merton Council has approved the purchase of 125 homes to increase the availability of affordable housing for residents at risk of homelessness. Merton 17 July 2026
  4. Merton Council Reports £0.5m Revenue Underspend Amidst Service Pressures Merton Council has reported a net underspend of £0.5 million on its revenue budget for the 2025/26 financial year, according to the latest outturn report. However, the report... Merton 17 July 2026
  5. Lewisham Council to Improve Corporate Enquiries System Lewisham Council is undertaking a comprehensive project to enhance its corporate enquiries system, aiming to create a more modern, integrated, and resident-focused service. The... Lewisham 17 July 2026
  6. Better Care Fund misses targets for reducing hospital delays Richmond upon Thames' Better Care Fund (BCF) has fallen short of its targets for reducing hospital delays and admissions to residential care in the 2025-26 reporting period. The... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  7. Council Communications Team boosts engagement by 41% Richmond upon Thames Council's Communications Team has achieved a significant 41% increase in social media impressions over the past year, a testament to their enhanced... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  8. Islington Council Invests £236m in Housing Amidst Supply Shortages Islington Council has invested £236 million in improving its housing stock, focusing on decent homes, fire safety, and damp and mould remediation. Despite this significant... Islington 16 July 2026