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Homelessness

167 stories · discussed at 266 council meetings · 33 councils

Councils are currently focusing on increasing temporary accommodation supply and developing strategies to prevent homelessness and boost housing.

Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved plans in October 2026 to acquire commercial buildings for 180 new temporary homes, aiming to reduce costly out-of-borough placements. Brent Council's Cabinet approved a five-year plan in October 2026 to improve temporary accommodation quality, while Ealing Council's Cabinet adopted a new three-zone policy for placements. Brent Council is also facing anticipated expenditure of £38 million on nightly paid accommodation, with a forecasted £9.5 million overspend, as discussed in September 2026.

Several councils are implementing strategies to prevent homelessness and increase housing supply. Hackney Council's 'no fixed abode' market licenses helped two individuals secure housing and income in October 2026. Brent Council's Cabinet approved a community housing project for 19 affordable homes in October 2026, and its five-year plan aims to prevent homelessness for 42% of households. Croydon Council approved a strategy in September 2026 to save £10 million by 2030, prevent homelessness earlier, and increase housing supply, also planning 1,000 new homes.

Key facts

  1. Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved plans in October 2026 to acquire commercial buildings for 180 new temporary homes. Source
  2. Hackney Council's 'no fixed abode' market licenses helped two individuals secure housing and income in October 2026. Source
  3. Brent Council's Cabinet approved a five-year plan in October 2026 to combat homelessness and rough sleeping, aiming to prevent homelessness for 42% of households. Source
  4. Ealing Council's Cabinet approved a new policy in October 2026 to standardise the placement of homeless households in temporary accommodation. Source
  5. Croydon Council approved a Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan in September 2026, projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. 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 22 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 13

  1. Harrow Council Intensifies Fight Against Illegal HMOs with Focus on Headstone Harrow Council is intensifying its efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the borough, with a particular focus on areas like... Harrow 18 January 2026
  2. Islington Rents Soar, Evictions Rise Due to Housing Benefit Freeze Islington faces a concerning rise in rents and evictions, exacerbated by a freeze in housing benefits, according to a recent meeting of the Homes and Communities Scrutiny... Islington 30 December 2025
  3. Islington Council Reviews Support for Tenants at Risk of Homelessness Through IHIS Service Islington Council is reviewing its support services for tenants at risk of homelessness, with a focus on the Independent Housing Intensive Support (IHIS) service. The review... Islington 22 December 2025
  4. Camden's Homelessness Partnership: Progress and Integrated Approach Camden's Health and Wellbeing Board convened on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, to discuss the progress and future aims of the Homelessness System Partnership. The partnership aims... Camden 21 December 2025
  5. Enfield Council Considers £15.4M in Savings Amid Funding Uncertainty Enfield Council is considering £15.4 million in savings amid uncertainty over future funding, as revealed in a recent Cabinet meeting. The proposed savings are part of the... Enfield 14 December 2025
  6. Camden Council Unveils 2025-2030 Homelessness Strategy, Including Buy-Back of 280 Homes Camden Council is set to buy back 280 homes to provide housing for homeless families in the borough, as part of its new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2025-2030.... Camden 13 December 2025
  7. Wandsworth Faces £700M Funding Gap for Temporary Housing Wandsworth Borough Council is grappling with a projected £700 million funding shortfall for temporary housing in the 2025-26 financial year, according to a report presented at... Wandsworth 1 December 2025
  8. Newham Council to Provide Supported Housing for Young Adults Newham Council is set to provide supported housing for young adults, as decided at the Local Development Committee meeting on Monday, 24 November 2025. The committee approved a... Newham 28 November 2025