Lambeth Council is set to significantly increase its provision of social rent housing as part of a broader strategy to tackle the borough's housing crisis. The Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to discuss the council's plans, which include bringing more empty homes back into use, developing on council-owned land, and working with registered providers.
Councillor Pete Elliott, Cabinet Member for Housing, outlined the administration's priorities, emphasizing a shift away from reliance on private sales for cross-subsidy. Our priority going forward has to be delivery of council homes or social homes with our registered providers and working with them,
he stated. The council faces significant debt, with the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) requiring financial support. This has led to a re-evaluation of estate regeneration strategies, with a focus on council homes rather than private sales.
The council has £1.25 billion in debt,
and the HRA is in a precarious financial position, requiring good financial support.
The previous administration's reliance on private sales for cross-subsidy doesn't seem to work
and has put us massively in debt.
These financial constraints, coupled with Emergency Financial Support constraints,
are impacting the council's ability to utilize its land for new homes, with officers noting that computer says no, computer says no, we can't do that because it risks putting it in jeopardy.
To address the housing crisis, the council is looking to bring empty homes back into use. As of early July, there were 496 void properties across various housing stock categories. The primary reasons for these vacancies include end-of-tenancy turnovers, major repair works, unlawful occupation, regeneration programmes, demolition schemes, and asset review activities. The council aims to improve void turnaround times by 50% over the next 12 months.
Councillor Danny Adilypour stressed the need for a clear plan by the end of September, highlighting the potential of small sites and the potential undervaluation of council land. He also noted that the council is exploring infill development on existing estates and large-scale retrofitting of properties. However, there is a sense that the council is discombobulated
due to previous directions and a need for a clearer vision on how to deliver social homes.
The committee also discussed the expansion of social rent housing, with Councillor Viktor Westerdahl emphasizing its importance and suggesting a mapping of suitable land for new homes. Councillor Tom Palmer raised concerns about the type of housing being built and its potential sale to offshore entities, questioning the cost-effectiveness of building projects.
The council is aiming to present a high-level strategy within the next couple of months, with a target of having a comprehensive plan in place by the end of September. This plan will address various strands of work within housing, including house building, to ensure that homes are delivered within the next four years.
Further details on the committee's discussions can be found in the Supplementary Agenda and the Public reports pack.
