Issue

Homelessness

157 stories · discussed at 245 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are addressing escalating temporary accommodation costs and developing strategies to prevent homelessness and boost housing supply.

Lewisham's Mayor and Cabinet addressed a projected £7 million General Fund overspend in October 2026, partly due to high-cost temporary accommodation. Brent Council anticipates spending £38 million on nightly paid accommodation, with a further £9.5 million overspend forecast in September 2026. In September 2026, Hackney Council allocated £145 million for its Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation Supply Transformation Programme for 2026/27, while Lewisham Council approved spending £135 million on temporary accommodation over three years.

Croydon Council approved a new strategy in September 2026 to tackle homelessness and boost housing supply, projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. The council is also planning to build 1,000 new homes and has reduced empty home turnaround times by 55%. Hammersmith and Fulham Council unveiled its Housing Strategy 2026-2031 in September 2026, prioritising homelessness prevention. Waltham Forest Council approved £18 million in September 2026 to convert four buildings into 60 temporary homes.

Tower Hamlets' Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee reviewed its 2026-27 scrutiny plans in October 2026, including a £609 million investment in housing stock. Hackney Council's Housing and Homelessness Scrutiny Commission launched a review into private landlord licensing in September 2026. Councils including Brent, Croydon, Enfield, Hackney, and Westminster have meetings scheduled in October 2026 where homelessness is on the agenda.

Key facts

  1. Tower Hamlets Council is investing £609 million over the next decade to improve its housing stock. Source 1 Source 2
  2. Croydon Council approved a new strategy in September 2026 projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. Source
  3. Brent Council anticipates £38 million expenditure on nightly paid temporary accommodation. Source
  4. Waltham Forest Council approved £18 million in September 2026 to convert four buildings into 60 temporary homes. 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 8 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 7

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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