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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 6

  1. Richmond Council Adopts New Policy to Tackle Homelessness and Reduce Temporary Accommodation Costs Richmond upon Thames Council has unanimously adopted a new policy aimed at tackling homelessness and reducing the cost of temporary accommodation. Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  2. Landlord checks to be enhanced under new Richmond policy Richmond Council has adopted a new Private Rented Sector Offer Policy, aiming to enhance landlord checks and provide more settled accommodation options for individuals facing... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  3. Richmond Housing Team Welcomes New Director as Part of Homelessness Strategy Richmond upon Thames Council has welcomed Altin Smiley as its new Director of Housing, a move central to a broader strategy aimed at tackling homelessness and reducing the... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  4. Richmond Council aims for £1.9m savings with housing policy Richmond Council is set to achieve significant savings of up to £1.92 million annually by the financial year 2029-30 through the adoption of a new Private Rented Sector Offer... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  5. Council approves revised parking fees Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved revised parking fees and charges aimed at managing demand and enhancing the financial sustainability of the parking service. The... Tower Hamlets 31 July 2026
  6. Wandsworth Council Adopts New Policy to House Homeless in Private Rented Sector Wandsworth Council has adopted a new policy to house homeless individuals and families in the private rented sector, aiming to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and... Wandsworth 30 July 2026
  7. Wandsworth Council Reports £9.8m Budget Overspend Driven by Social Care and Homelessness Costs Wandsworth Council has reported a significant budget overspend of £9.8 million for the 2025/26 financial year, a deficit primarily driven by increased demand and costs in adult... Wandsworth 30 July 2026
  8. Council tax hike doubles burden on poorest, Labour claims Labour councillors have claimed that a recent council tax increase will disproportionately burden the poorest residents in Kensington and Chelsea, effectively doubling their... Kensington and Chelsea 25 July 2026