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Issue

Homelessness

167 stories · discussed at 267 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 19

  1. H&F Council Faces £6.4M Overspend on Temporary Accommodation Hammersmith and Fulham Council is grappling with a significant overspend of £6.4 million on temporary accommodation, despite efforts to mitigate the rising costs of homelessness... Hammersmith and Fulham 29 July 2025
  2. Croydon to Improve Casework Training for Homelessness Services Croydon Council is set to enhance casework training for its homelessness services, aiming to improve support for residents facing housing challenges, with a particular emphasis... Croydon 29 July 2025
  3. Harrow Council's Risk Register Flags Homelessness, Finances, and Other Key Concerns Harrow Council's financial risk register has flagged increasing homelessness and budget pressures as key concerns, alongside challenges in adult social care and health and... Harrow 25 July 2025
  4. Harrow Council Reports £1.5M Surplus Amid Audit Concerns, Property Revaluations, and Risk Register Highlights Harrow Council has reported a £1.5 million surplus for the 2024-2025 financial year, despite concerns raised during a Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee... Harrow 25 July 2025
  5. Tower Hamlets Faces £16.9m Homelessness Budget Pressure Amid Rising Temporary Accommodation Numbers Tower Hamlets is grappling with significant budgetary pressures, particularly in addressing homelessness, with a projected £16.9m overspend. The issue was brought to light... Tower Hamlets 23 July 2025
  6. Lambeth's Homelessness Strategy Focuses on Prevention, Accommodation Lambeth Council is intensifying its efforts to prevent homelessness and provide appropriate accommodation, according to an update presented at the Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee... Lambeth 22 July 2025
  7. Southwark Council Reviews Financial Management Compliance Southwark Council's Audit, Governance and Standards Committee convened on Monday, 14 July 2025, to review the council's financial management and governance practices. The... Southwark 21 July 2025
  8. Waltham Forest Libraries to Become Community Support Hubs Waltham Forest libraries are set to become hubs for community support, offering a range of services to residents in a more accessible and integrated way. Through Waltham Forest... Waltham Forest 20 July 2025