Affordable Housing
Councils are addressing housing supply, homelessness service funding, and planning rules for new homes and student accommodation.
Lewisham Council's Housing Select Committee scrutinised proposals for £2 million in annual savings for homelessness services in November 2026, requesting more information before agreeing. Also in November 2026, Lewisham's Mayor and Cabinet agreed to consult on new planning guidance to generally discourage further purpose-built student accommodation, citing oversupply concerns. Tower Hamlets Council's Development Committee approved a new housing development at Tomlinson Close in November 2026.
In Bexley, Labour councillors called for a significant increase in council homes and affordable housing in November 2026, criticising the administration's approach to housing. This follows ongoing discussions across councils about meeting housing targets and addressing local needs.
Looking ahead, Havering Council's Cabinet is scheduled to discuss a strategy for preventing homelessness and addressing rough sleeping in November 2026. Affordable housing refers to homes accessible to people with low to moderate incomes, often below market rates.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council's Housing Select Committee scrutinised proposals for £2 million annual savings for homelessness services in November 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council's Development Committee approved a new housing development at Tomlinson Close in November 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council agreed in November 2026 to consult on new planning guidance to discourage further purpose-built student accommodation. Source
- Bexley Labour councillors called for a significant increase in council homes and affordable housing in November 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 11 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.
