Department of Works and Pensions (DWP)
Local councils are addressing the financial impact of rising homelessness costs, an area related to welfare.
Local councils are grappling with the financial impact of rising homelessness costs, an area related to the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) welfare responsibilities. Harrow Council, for instance, faced a £5.9 million overspend in its Housing General Fund due to these costs, as reported in July 2025. The council expects budget pressures to continue rising in 2025/26.
This overspend, primarily attributed to increasing demand and unit prices for temporary accommodation, was highlighted in the Revenue and Capital Monitoring 2024-25 Final Outturn Report. To address anticipated future costs, Harrow Council increased its Temporary Accommodation Demand Fund by £3 million, bringing the total reserve to £7 million. No upcoming meetings are scheduled to discuss this specific issue.
Key facts
- Harrow Council faced a £5.9 million overspend in its Housing General Fund due to rising homelessness costs. Source
- Harrow Council anticipates budget pressures in Housing Needs will continue to rise in 2025/26. Source
- Harrow Council increased its Temporary Accommodation Demand Fund by £3 million. Source
- The total Temporary Accommodation Demand Fund reserve for Harrow Council is now £7 million. Source
- The overspend was highlighted in the Revenue and Capital Monitoring 2024-25 Final Outturn Report. 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.