rough sleeping
Havering Council is leading current discussions on new strategies to reduce rough sleeping and temporary accommodation costs, while other councils focus on housing supply and support services.
Havering Council is currently implementing its Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2029, which aims to achieve £11-12 million in annual savings by reducing reliance on temporary accommodation. This strategy was scrutinised by the People Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee in September 2026. In the same month, Havering Council was questioned on its approach to securing adequate government funding for temporary accommodation to end rough sleeping.
Other councils are also focusing on increasing housing supply and managing rough sleeper numbers. Hillingdon Council approved its Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2030 in March 2026, prioritising prevention and increasing housing provision. Barking and Dagenham Council reported a surge in rough sleepers to 19 in January 2026, committing to a target of zero by 2031, while Haringey Council accepted a £2.1 million grant for prevention in March 2026.
These efforts build on earlier strategies, such as Camden Council's 2025-2030 Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy unveiled in December 2025, which includes plans to buy back 280 homes. Ealing Council extended its rough sleeping services with St Mungo's until September 2027, as it has the highest number of rough sleepers in West London, a decision made in October 2025.
Key facts
- Havering Council's new strategy aims for £11-12 million annual savings by reducing temporary accommodation. Source
- Hillingdon Council approved its Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2030 in March 2026. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council reported 19 rough sleepers in January 2026, aiming for zero by 2031. Source
- Haringey Council accepted a £2,137,751 grant for rough sleeping prevention in March 2026. Source
- Camden Council's 2025-2030 strategy includes buying back 280 homes for homeless families. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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.