Cost of living crisis
Councils are addressing the cost of living crisis by increasing support for residents and managing rising social care costs.
Ealing Council committed in October 2026 to increasing food growing spaces to alleviate financial pressure on residents. This follows Southwark Council adopting a plan in September 2026 to combat high child poverty rates and make the borough more affordable. Waltham Forest Council also boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million in September 2026 to support vulnerable families during school holidays.
Lewisham Council is facing a projected £7 million overspend for the current financial year, as reported in October 2026, primarily driven by escalating demand and costs within social care services. A report to the Mayor and Cabinet highlighted that these increased costs are largely attributed to higher demand and placement costs in children's services, impacting the council's financial position.
Key facts
- Ealing Council committed to increasing food growing spaces in October 2026 to alleviate financial pressure. Source
- Lewisham Council faces a projected £7 million overspend for the current financial year, reported in October 2026. Source
- Southwark Council adopted a plan in September 2026 to combat child poverty and make the borough more affordable. Source
- Waltham Forest Council boosted its grocery voucher scheme by £1.6 million in September 2026. 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 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.