The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub Committee met on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to discuss the City of London's response to homelessness and rough sleeping. The meeting's agenda included updates on national homelessness plans, the council's ongoing strategy, commissioning and procurement activities, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, and an annual review of statutory homelessness services.

City of London Police Update

The Commissioner of the City of London Police was scheduled to provide a verbal report on matters relating to homelessness and rough sleeping.

National Plan to End Homelessness

A report from the Executive Director of Community and Children's Services was to be presented, outlining the implications for the City of London Corporation arising from the Government's National Plan to End Homelessness, published in December 2025. This plan aims to shift local homelessness systems from crisis response to prevention-led delivery and sets new expectations for councils regarding planning, governance, temporary accommodation standards, and partnership working. The report noted that the Corporation would need to prepare and publish a local Homelessness Action Plan with measurable targets aligned to the national Outcomes Framework.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-2027 Update

This report, also from the Executive Director of Community and Children's Services, was intended to provide an update on the progress made against the aims of the City of London's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023–2027. The report detailed that 53 actions had commenced, with 29 completed. It also included performance data for Q4 2025/26 and a summary of annual data for the financial year 2025/26, referencing the strategy's four priorities: rapid interventions, suitable accommodation, collaboration, and support beyond accommodation.

Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping – Commissioning and Procurement Update

This report provided Members with a six-monthly update on the commissioning and procurement of services for the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Service. It detailed the current portfolio of 22 commissioned services with a total annual value of £3.9 million and outlined the ongoing commissioning and procurement activities, including target dates for services such as Street Homeless Outreach and Support, and the pipeline priorities for future services.

Annual Severe Weather Emergency Protocol Report

The report presented an analysis of the City of London's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for the 2025/2026 winter period, comparing it with previous years. It noted a decrease in SWEP activations and active days compared to the previous year, with fewer individuals accepting SWEP placements. The report detailed the provision of SWEP accommodation, the operational process, and the outcomes of placements, including the total cost of the protocol for the winter period.

Statutory Homelessness Annual Review 2025/26

This report summarised the activities undertaken by the City of London Statutory Homelessness Team between April 2025 and March 2026. It highlighted an increase in demand on the service, with a 25% rise in approaches compared to the previous year. The report detailed the reasons for approaches, the number of referrals received through the Duty to Refer, and the outcomes for accepted duties, including prevention, relief, and main housing duties. It also provided data on temporary accommodation usage, noting a 9% increase in placements but a reduction in the average length of stay. The report also covered reviews and appeals related to homelessness decisions.