Issue

Affordable Housing

593 stories · discussed at 648 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 16

  1. Brent Council urged to divest pension funds from companies linked to alleged Israeli actions Brent Council has been urged to divest its pension funds from companies accused of complicity in alleged Israeli actions. Brent 16 September 2026
  2. Lewisham Council Adopts 'Health in All Policies' Approach to Improve Resident Well-being Lewisham Council is set to embed a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach across its services, aiming to integrate health considerations into decision-making across all council... Lewisham 15 September 2026
  3. Enfield Council Adopts New 4-Year Strategic Plan 'Delivering for Enfield' Enfield Council has officially adopted its new four-year strategic plan, Delivering for Enfield, which will guide the council's priorities and actions from 2026 to 2030. The... Enfield 13 September 2026
  4. Free 30-Minute Parking Proposed in Enfield Enfield Council is proposing to introduce 30 minutes of free parking per vehicle per day across the borough in an effort to boost local economic activity and town centre... Enfield 13 September 2026
  5. Enfield Consults on Homelessness Strategy Enfield Council is proposing to introduce a free 30-minute parking session per vehicle per day across the borough in an effort to boost local economic activity and town centre... Enfield 13 September 2026
  6. Broomfield House Project Secures Lottery Funding Enfield Council's Cabinet has approved the acceptance of a significant grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to proceed with the Unlocking Broomfield for the... Enfield 13 September 2026
  7. Housing strategy review planned Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet has approved plans to review the borough's housing strategy, a move that will involve a two-year consultation process with residents and... Waltham Forest 12 September 2026
  8. Council approves £18m for temporary homes Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet has approved a £18 million investment to convert four council-owned buildings into temporary homes for homeless families, with works set to... Waltham Forest 12 September 2026