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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 15

  1. Redbridge Council Considers Travel Subsidy and Other Measures to Support Homeless Residents and Improve Housing Services Redbridge Council is considering offering a travel subsidy to homeless residents, alongside access to local facilities and services, as part of a broader effort to improve... Redbridge 18 November 2025
  2. Islington Council Addresses Housing Complaint Delays and Performance Islington Council is taking steps to address delays in handling housing complaints, according to a recent meeting of the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee. The council's... Islington 16 November 2025
  3. Islington Council Survey: Temporary Accommodation Residents Generally Happy, Repair Delays Remain a Concern Islington Council's recent survey reveals that the majority of residents in temporary accommodation (TA) are happy with their housing, but concerns about repairs persist. The... Islington 16 November 2025
  4. Haringey to Consult on Draft Homelessness Strategy 2026-2027 Haringey Council is set to launch a public consultation on its draft Homelessness Strategy for 2026-2027, following approval by the cabinet on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. Haringey 16 November 2025
  5. Brent Council Prepares for Renters Reform Bill Brent Council is preparing for the implementation of the Renters Reform Bill, expected between April and June 2026, with the aim of improving living standards for renters across... Brent 14 November 2025
  6. Ealing Council Faces Significant Social Care Overspend Due to Rising Costs and Demand Ealing Council is facing a significant projected overspend in its social care budget, driven by the increasing complexity and costs associated with children's social care, adult... Ealing 10 November 2025
  7. Westminster Pension Fund Considers Investing in Temporary Housing via Loan to LLP Westminster Council's Pension Fund Committee is considering a potential investment in temporary accommodation, aiming to generate impact and financial returns. The committee met... Westminster 9 November 2025
  8. Croydon Faces Rising Nightly Accommodation Costs Amid Homelessness Crisis and Financial Strain Croydon's nightly paid accommodation costs have risen, according to a recent financial performance report, placing additional strain on the council's Housing Revenue Account... Croydon 9 November 2025