Issue

Homelessness

154 stories · discussed at 236 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are focusing on new strategies, increasing housing supply, and managing rising temporary accommodation costs to address homelessness.

Croydon Council approved a new strategy in September 2026 to tackle homelessness and boost housing supply, projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. Hammersmith and Fulham Council also unveiled its 2026-2031 Housing Strategy in September 2026, prioritising homelessness prevention. Southwark Council overhauled its Housing Allocations Scheme in September 2026 for fairer social housing distribution. Hackney Council's Housing and Homelessness Scrutiny Commission launched a review into private landlord licensing in September 2026, noting a 29% decrease in prevention success since 2025/26.

Several councils are addressing temporary accommodation challenges. Brent Council is facing escalating costs, with an anticipated £38 million expenditure on nightly paid accommodation and a forecast £9.5 million overspend in September 2026. Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved spending £135 million on temporary accommodation over three years in September 2026. Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved an £18 million investment in September 2026 to convert four council-owned buildings into 60 temporary homes.

Croydon Council is set to build 1,000 new homes to tackle homelessness and has reduced void turnaround times by 55% since March 2023. Redbridge Council is developing a new Supported Housing Strategy, including short-term housing for those experiencing homelessness. Looking ahead, Tower Hamlets' Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee is scheduled to meet on 5 October 2026, and Waltham Forest's Shareholder Committee on 6 October 2026.

Key facts

  1. Croydon Council approved a new strategy in September 2026, projecting £10 million in savings by 2030. Source
  2. Brent Council is facing an anticipated £38 million expenditure on nightly paid accommodation. Source
  3. Lewisham Council approved spending £135 million on temporary accommodation over three years. Source
  4. Hackney Council experienced a 29% decrease in successful homelessness prevention outcomes since 2025/26. Source
  5. Waltham Forest Council approved an £18 million investment for 60 temporary homes. 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.

Stories, page 15

  1. Westminster Considers Loan for Temporary Accommodation Westminster City Council is considering a new impact investment opportunity that would see the Pension Fund provide a loan for the purchase of temporary accommodation properties. Westminster 20 October 2025
  2. Ealing Secures Temporary Housing in Acton Ealing Council has secured a 10-year lease for temporary accommodation at 61-63 Churchfield Road, Acton, London, W3 6AY, aimed at providing housing for homeless households. The... Ealing 19 October 2025
  3. Bexley Council Reduces Temporary Housing Costs Through Prevention and Efficient Allocation Bexley Council has seen a significant reduction in temporary housing costs, thanks to a focus on homelessness prevention and efficient allocation of social housing. The council... Bexley 8 October 2025
  4. Report Highlights Disproportionate Impact of Homelessness on Global Majority Communities in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea Homelessness in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea disproportionately affects Global Majority communities, according to the Ambition 4 Review: We Have a Good Quality Home... Westminster 29 September 2025
  5. Homelessness Surges 35% in Kensington and Chelsea The number of households in temporary accommodation in Kensington and Chelsea has risen sharply, mirroring a national trend, according to a report discussed at the Joint Health... Kensington and Chelsea 29 September 2025
  6. Richmond Faces £2.8M Overspend, Driven by Rising Homelessness Costs; Council Launches Transformation Programme and Addresses Funding Review Richmond upon Thames faces a projected £2.8 million overspend, with rising homelessness costs identified as a primary driver. The council is taking action to address the... Richmond upon Thames 29 September 2025
  7. Waltham Forest Tackles Homelessness with Housing Sustainment Team Waltham Forest Council is intensifying its efforts to combat homelessness through its Housing Sustainment Team, which supports families in the private rented sector who are at... Waltham Forest 28 September 2025
  8. Wandsworth Council Faces £1.6M Overspend Due to Housing and Health Pressures Wandsworth Council is facing a projected £1.6 million overspend, primarily driven by increasing demands on housing and health services. The council addressed these financial... Wandsworth 26 September 2025