Homeless Services
Councils are grappling with significant financial pressures and projected overspends driven by the rising demand for homelessness services.
Richmond Council is facing a projected £3.1 million overspend on its General Fund for the first quarter of the financial year, primarily due to pressures in homelessness services, as highlighted by the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee in September 2026. Councillor Jim Millard stated that demand for services is outstripping capacity despite mitigating actions.
Similarly, Brent Council's Cabinet noted a projected £18.3 million overspend for the 2025-26 financial year, also driven by homelessness services, in July 2026. Wandsworth Council's Cabinet discussed a potential council tax increase in July 2026 to address a significant budget shortfall, citing increasing debt and depleting reserves as factors.
Key facts
- Richmond Council projects a £3.1 million General Fund overspend for Q1 2026/27 due to homelessness pressures. Source
- Brent Council projected an £18.3 million overspend for 2025-26, driven by homelessness services. Source
- Wandsworth Council's Cabinet discussed a potential council tax rise in July 2026 to address budget shortfalls. 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.