Housing Benefit
Councils are currently addressing rising temporary accommodation costs and adjusting housing charges amidst financial pressures.
Brent Council is currently addressing significant financial pressures, with an anticipated £38 million expenditure on nightly paid temporary accommodation, forecasting a £9.5 million overspend in the first quarter of 2026. This follows Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet approval in February 2026 of a 4.8% rent increase for Housing Revenue Account properties for the 2026/27 financial year, and Haringey Council's implementation of new charges for supported accommodation from April 2026.
Islington's Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee noted in December 2025 a 14% increase in private rented sector rents, attributing it to a freeze in housing benefits. To manage administrative tasks, Haringey Council awarded a £1.4 million contract in December 2025 for print and post services, including housing benefit notifications, commencing in February 2026. Camden Council decided in July 2025 to standardise temporary housing rents at 90% of the 2011 Local Housing Allowance rate to alleviate financial pressures.
Key facts
- Brent Council anticipates a £38 million expenditure on nightly paid temporary accommodation, forecasting a £9.5 million overspend in the first quarter of 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet approved a 4.8% rent increase for Housing Revenue Account properties for the 2026/27 financial year in February 2026. Source
- Haringey Council implemented new charges for supported accommodation, including Scheme O and Scheme B, from April 2026. Source
- Islington's Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee noted a 14% increase in private rented sector rents in December 2025. Source
- Haringey Council awarded a £1.4 million contract for print and post services, including housing benefit notifications, in December 2025. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.