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 9

  1. Hillingdon Council Delivers 510 Social Housing Lettings in Past Year Hillingdon Council has provided 510 social housing lettings over the past year, with 271 of these being council homes allocated to local residents. Councillor Nick Denys,... Hillingdon 25 September 2026
  2. Parking Policies Reviewed for Affordability Hillingdon Council Reviews Parking Policies to Ensure Affordability and Accessibility Hillingdon 25 September 2026
  3. Housing Shortage Limits Large Property Allocations Hillingdon Council faces a significant challenge in allocating larger properties to residents with specific housing needs due to a chronic shortage of social housing. Councillor... Hillingdon 25 September 2026
  4. Complaints soar 40% after cyber attack, housing leads Complaints to Kensington and Chelsea Council have soared by 40% in the last year, with housing issues leading the surge. The annual complaints report for 2025/26 reveals a total... Kensington and Chelsea 24 September 2026
  5. Lambeth's SADPD approved: 830 new homes planned Lambeth Council's Cabinet has approved the Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD), paving the way for the construction of approximately 830 new homes across the... Lambeth 24 September 2026
  6. Lambeth Council Faces £9.3 Million Overspend in Q1 Financial Performance Lambeth Council is facing a projected £9.3 million overspend in its first quarter financial performance for 2026/27. This figure, presented to the Cabinet on Wednesday, 23... Lambeth 24 September 2026
  7. Tower Hamlets Council Approves 32 New Social-Rented Homes at Brunton Wharf Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved plans for 32 new social-rented homes at Brunton Wharf, a development that will also include significant improvements to landscaping... Tower Hamlets 24 September 2026
  8. Poverty in Tower Hamlets: 130,000 residents affected Tower Hamlets Faces Significant Poverty Challenge with Up to 130,000 Residents Affected Tower Hamlets 23 September 2026