Hardship Fund
Councils are addressing financial difficulties for residents and leaseholders, with Tower Hamlets increasing temporary housing rents and Barking and Dagenham broadening payment options for major works.
Tower Hamlets Council is set to increase rents for some residents in temporary housing in November 2025. This decision aims to maximise Housing Benefit subsidy income and address a potential budget shortfall, after the council rejected alternative options that would prevent reducing expenditure on Housing Benefit subsidy loss.
In September 2025, Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet decided to broaden leaseholder payment options for major works. This move is intended to ease financial burdens for leaseholders facing significant costs and improve the council's revenue collection.
Key facts
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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.