Issue

Cost of living crisis

10 stories · discussed at 16 council meetings · 15 councils

Councils are currently focusing on direct support for vulnerable families and developing broader strategies to mitigate the cost of living crisis.

Waltham Forest Council boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million in September 2026, bringing the total to over £2.3 million, to support vulnerable families during school holidays, as decided by Councillor Treacy. Richmond upon Thames' Finance, Policy and Resources Committee also approved funding for cost of living support in June 2026.

Southwark Council adopted a new plan in September 2026 to combat high child poverty rates, affecting 43.3% of families after housing costs. The plan, outlined in the motion "Affordable, Safe, and Green", aims to address the cost of living crisis and increase access to jobs and affordable homes.

The cost of living crisis refers to a period of significant increases in the cost of essential goods and services, impacting household budgets. In December 2025, Wandsworth Council decided to increase council housing rents by 2.7% from April 2025 due to financial pressures. Lewisham Council extended its Advice Services Grant through 2029 in October 2025 to provide continued support for residents. No upcoming meetings are currently listed with this topic on their agenda.

Key facts

  1. Waltham Forest Council boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million in September 2026. Source
  2. Southwark Council adopted a plan in September 2026 to address the cost of living crisis and child poverty. Source
  3. Wandsworth Council decided to increase council housing rents by 2.7% from April 2025. Source
  4. Lewisham Council extended its Advice Services Grant through 2029 in October 2025. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Southwark Council Unveils Ambitious Plan to Combat High Child Poverty Rates Southwark Council has unveiled an ambitious plan to combat the borough's high child poverty rates, aiming to make Southwark a more affordable and equitable place to live. The... Southwark 27 September 2026
  2. Council boosts grocery voucher scheme by £1.6m Waltham Forest Council has boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million to support vulnerable families during school holidays. Waltham Forest 20 September 2026
  3. Kensington and Chelsea Council Calls for Increased Police Presence and Reopened Station Counters Residents are demanding a greater police presence on the streets and the reopening of police station front counters as concerns about crime rates persist. A motion brought... Kensington and Chelsea 25 July 2026
  4. Islington Council Scrutiny Committee Selects 'Sense of Place' as Overarching Topic Islington Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee has confirmed Islington and the sense of place as the overarching scrutiny topic for the upcoming year. The committee met on... Islington 16 July 2026
  5. Wandsworth Council to Increase Rents by 2.7% and Non-Residential Charges by 2.2% Wandsworth Council is set to increase council housing rents by a maximum of 2.7% starting in April 2025, following a recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Environment. The... Wandsworth 2 December 2025
  6. Lewisham Extends Advice Services Grant Through 2029 Lewisham Council has extended its Advice Services Grant through 2029, ensuring continued support for residents seeking guidance on a range of issues. Lewisham 24 October 2025
  7. Islington First in London to Receive Platinum Accreditation for Domestic Abuse Housing Support Islington has become the first council in London to achieve Platinum accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA). This accomplishment, highlighting the... Islington 13 October 2025
  8. Hackney Council Approves 3.2% Rise in Councillor Allowances Hackney Council has approved a 3.2% increase in allowances for its councillors, sparking debate amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. The decision was made during a full... Hackney 21 September 2025