Issue

homelessness

154 stories · discussed at 237 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 14

  1. Ealing Council Faces Significant Social Care Overspend Due to Rising Costs and Demand Ealing Council is facing a significant projected overspend in its social care budget, driven by the increasing complexity and costs associated with children's social care, adult... Ealing 10 November 2025
  2. Westminster Pension Fund Considers Investing in Temporary Housing via Loan to LLP Westminster Council's Pension Fund Committee is considering a potential investment in temporary accommodation, aiming to generate impact and financial returns. The committee met... Westminster 9 November 2025
  3. Croydon Faces Rising Nightly Accommodation Costs Amid Homelessness Crisis and Financial Strain Croydon's nightly paid accommodation costs have risen, according to a recent financial performance report, placing additional strain on the council's Housing Revenue Account... Croydon 9 November 2025
  4. Tower Hamlets to Increase Rent for Some in Temporary Housing Tower Hamlets Council is set to increase rents for some residents living in temporary housing, a move aimed at maximising Housing Benefit subsidy income and addressing a... Tower Hamlets 4 November 2025
  5. Hillingdon Council Faces £30.2M Budget Overspend Hillingdon Council is facing a significant financial challenge with a projected £30.2 million budget overspend, primarily driven by increasing demand for essential statutory... Hillingdon 28 October 2025
  6. Westminster Faces Soaring Homelessness, Pays Out £66k in Compensation for Unsuitable Housing Westminster City Council is grappling with a surge in homelessness applications, leading to increased compensation payouts for unsuitable temporary accommodation. Westminster 28 October 2025
  7. Ealing to Introduce Private Renters Association Ealing Council is set to launch a Private Renters Association to support the borough's 15,000 private renting families. The initiative, aiming to launch on 30 October, will... Ealing 25 October 2025
  8. Lewisham to Lease 35 Flats for Temporary Accommodation Lewisham Council is set to lease 35 flats from L&Q to provide temporary accommodation for homeless households, as decided at a Mayor and Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 22 October... Lewisham 24 October 2025