Property Acquisition Programme (PAP)
Harrow Council's Property Acquisition Programme (PAP) aims to increase affordable housing amidst ongoing financial pressures in the council's housing services.
The Property Acquisition Programme (PAP) is a Harrow Council initiative to increase affordable housing through property purchases, intended to generate income and reduce costs in other housing services. The council has faced significant financial challenges in its Housing General Fund, with a £5.9 million overspend reported in July 2025 due to rising homelessness costs.
Budget pressures in Housing Needs were anticipated to continue rising in 2025/26, driven by increased demand and unit prices for temporary accommodation. To address these, the Temporary Accommodation Demand Fund was increased by £3 million, bringing the total reserve to £7 million, as noted in the Revenue and Capital Monitoring 2024-25 Final Outturn Report.
Key facts
- Harrow Council faced a £5.9 million overspend in its Housing General Fund in July 2025. Source
- The overspend was primarily attributed to rising homelessness costs. Source
- The Temporary Accommodation Demand Fund was increased by £3 million. Source
- The total reserve for the Temporary Accommodation Demand Fund reached £7 million. Source
- Budget pressures in Housing Needs were anticipated to rise in 2025/26. 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.