Issue

Homelessness

154 stories · discussed at 234 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 19

  1. Hillingdon Council Urges Government to Increase Support for Asylum Seekers and Refund Local Costs Hillingdon Council has called on the government to provide more support for asylum seekers housed in the borough, citing an unsustainable burden on local residents and a £5... Hillingdon 16 July 2025
  2. iGAS Cluster Identified in Camden & Islington, Primarily Affecting Vulnerable Populations A cluster of Invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) cases has been identified in Camden and Islington, according to a health protection update presented at the Camden Health and... Camden 13 July 2025
  3. Southwark Council to Decriminalise Rough Sleeping and Appoint Rough Sleeper Coordinator Southwark Council is set to decriminalise rough sleeping, marking a significant shift in its approach to tackling homelessness in the borough. This move addresses the current... Southwark 13 July 2025
  4. Merton Council Allocates £20M for Temporary Housing; Addresses Concerns About Children in Temporary Accommodation Merton Council has allocated £20 million to purchase temporary accommodation within the borough. The council aims to purchase various types of temporary accommodation within... Merton 13 July 2025
  5. Haringey Fails to Secure Provider for Young Women's Housing Haringey Council has been unable to secure a provider for housing support services specifically tailored for young women, raising concerns about the future of this vital service. Haringey 12 July 2025
  6. Camden Council Faces £22.8m General Fund Overspend Amidst Rising Costs and Uncertain Funding Camden Council faces significant financial challenges, reporting a £22.8m overspend in its General Fund and a £3.2m overspend in the Housing Revenue Account. This financial... Camden 12 July 2025
  7. Homeless Get Dental Care Thanks to Bromley Healthcare Bromley Healthcare has implemented a dental service for homeless individuals, providing oral health advice and clinical follow-up appointments. The service is delivered in... Bromley 9 July 2025
  8. Hackney Council Reduces Overspend but Faces Ongoing Financial Challenges in Housing and Social Care Hackney Council has made strides in reducing its projected overspend for the 2024/25 financial year, but significant financial challenges remain, particularly in housing and... Hackney 5 July 2025