Issue

Affordable Housing

593 stories · discussed at 646 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are currently debating the provision of affordable housing in new developments, with some approving 100% affordable schemes while others grant permission despite its absence.

Councils are currently making decisions on the provision of affordable housing, with some approving schemes that include it and others granting permission despite its absence. In October 2026, Barking and Dagenham Council approved plans for 300 100% affordable homes on Green Belt land. Conversely, Kensington and Chelsea Council granted planning permission for 27 residential flats in October 2026 despite objections from residents and ward councillors regarding the absence of affordable housing contributions. Richmond upon Thames Council also approved a conversion project in October 2026, despite concerns about affordable housing provision.

The topic of affordable housing, which refers to housing made available at a cost accessible to people with low to moderate incomes, is scheduled for further discussion. Waltham Forest Council's Inclusive Growth and Housing Scrutiny Committee is set to discuss its housing resident engagement strategy on October 15, 2026. Havering Council's Planning Committee will consider new residential developments on October 15, 2026, and Hackney's Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission will meet on October 19, 2026.

Key facts

  1. Kensington and Chelsea Council approved 27 flats in October 2026 despite the absence of affordable housing. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
  2. Barking and Dagenham Council approved 300 100% affordable homes in October 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  3. Richmond upon Thames Council approved a conversion in October 2026 despite affordability concerns. Source
  4. Brent Council committed to 19 affordable one-bedroom homes in October 2026. Source
  5. Lambeth Council adopted a housing plan in October 2026 identifying 13 development sites. 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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 11

  1. Wandsworth Council faces £3.4m overspend in adult social care due to rising demand and costs Wandsworth Council's Adult Social Care and Public Health department is facing a projected overspend of £3.477 million for the 2026/27 financial year, according to a report... Wandsworth 22 September 2026
  2. Redbridge plans for school places amid falling birth rates Redbridge Council is developing plans to ensure sufficient school places for its pupils, navigating a national trend of falling birth rates and declining school rolls. The... Redbridge 21 September 2026
  3. Redbridge approves new strategy for children in care Redbridge Council's Cabinet has approved a new strategy aimed at ensuring sufficient and appropriate accommodation for children in care and care-experienced young people. Redbridge 21 September 2026
  4. Hounslow Council to Regulate Vape and Betting Shops with New Powers Hounslow Council is set to introduce new regulations aimed at controlling the proliferation of vape shops and betting shops on its high streets, utilising new government powers... Hounslow 20 September 2026
  5. Hounslow Council Tackles Social Housing Waiting List Hounslow Council is intensifying its efforts to address the growing social housing waiting list, with a motion presented to the Borough Council on Tuesday, 15 September 2026,... Hounslow 20 September 2026
  6. Hounslow Council Adopts Financial Strategy 2026-2030 Hounslow Council has formally adopted its One Hounslow Financial Strategy 2026-2030 during a Borough Council meeting held on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The strategy, presented... Hounslow 20 September 2026
  7. Barn Hotel Redevelopment Approved for 71 Homes The Hillingdon Planning Committee has approved plans for the redevelopment of The Barn Hotel, paving the way for 71 new homes. Hillingdon 19 September 2026
  8. Lambeth Local Plan development: Public health input sought Lambeth Council is seeking public health input to shape its forthcoming Local Plan, a crucial document outlining the borough's development over the next 10-15 years. The plan,... Lambeth 19 September 2026