housing
High housing costs are driving poverty, while councils grapple with financial pressures and new development plans.
Tower Hamlets' Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed a September 2026 report identifying high housing costs as the biggest driver of poverty affecting up to 130,000 residents. Harrow Council's Planning Committee approved converting an office block into four new residential flats in September 2026. Hounslow's Audit and Governance Committee approved its 2026/27 audit plan, focusing on housing as a key risk area.
Brent Council's Health and Wellbeing Board is exploring housing's impact on health outcomes, particularly temporary accommodation, as of August 2026. Croydon Council's Cabinet approved a financial strategy in August 2026, acknowledging high housing costs as a significant challenge. Greenwich Council invested £215 million in housing schemes in 2025/26, dominating its capital spend.
Merton Council's Council Assembly in September 2026 confirmed an Article 4 Direction to require planning permission for small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across 13 wards. Camden's Holborn District Management Committee will discuss the Housing Revenue Account's financial strategy in September 2026. Councils are also addressing matters concerning council housing, the private rented sector, and new housing developments.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets' Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed a report in September 2026 stating high housing costs drive poverty for up to 130,000 residents. Source
- Harrow Council's Planning Committee approved converting an office block into four new residential flats in September 2026. Source
- Hounslow Council's Audit and Governance Committee approved its 2026/27 audit plan in September 2026, including housing as a key audit area. Source
- Brent Council's Health and Wellbeing Board will explore housing's impact on health outcomes, particularly temporary accommodation, in August 2026. Source
- Croydon Council's Cabinet approved a financial strategy in August 2026, acknowledging high housing costs as a significant challenge. 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.