Cost of Living Crisis
Councils are addressing the financial impact of rising costs on social care, child poverty, and family support.
Councils are currently addressing the financial impact of the cost of living crisis on services and residents. Lewisham Council is facing a projected £7 million overspend for the current financial year, primarily driven by escalating social care costs, as reported in October 2026. In September 2026, Waltham Forest Council boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million to support vulnerable families during school holidays.
Southwark Council adopted a new vision in September 2026 to combat high child poverty rates, which affect 43.3% of families after housing costs, aiming to make the borough more affordable. The cost of living crisis is a period of significant increase in the cost of essential goods and services, impacting household budgets.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council faces a projected £7 million overspend for the current financial year due to social care costs. Source
- Waltham Forest Council boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million in September 2026. Source
- Southwark Council adopted a new vision in September 2026 to combat child poverty, affecting 43.3% of families. Source
- Lewisham Council extended its Advice Services Grant through 2029 in October 2025. Source
- Wandsworth Council increased council housing rents by 2.7% starting April 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 8 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.