Issue

Affordable Housing

631 stories · discussed at 793 council meetings · 33 councils

Councils are currently focused on increasing affordable housing supply through new developments and funding, alongside discussions on housing targets and planning policies.

In November 2026, Tower Hamlets Council approved a new development at Tomlinson Close, which will include 33 affordable homes at social rent levels. Also in November 2026, Bexley Labour councillors called for a significant increase in affordable housing and council properties. Bromley Council accepted a grant from the Greater London Authority in October 2026 to support affordable housing development within the borough.

Lewisham Council is set to consult in November 2026 on new planning guidance that will generally discourage further purpose-built student accommodation, citing concerns about its impact on conventional housing targets. Merton Council granted planning permission for 67 new homes at 57 High Path, Wimbledon, in October 2026.

Upcoming meetings in November 2026 for Camden, Haringey, Richmond upon Thames, Kensington and Chelsea, and Redbridge will include discussions related to housing. Affordable housing refers to homes made available for purchase or rent at a cost accessible to people with low to moderate incomes.

Key facts

  1. Tower Hamlets Council approved a development at Tomlinson Close in November 2026 that will deliver 33 affordable homes at social rent levels. Source
  2. Lewisham Council will consult on new planning guidance to discourage further purpose-built student accommodation to avoid compromising housing targets. Source
  3. Bexley Labour councillors called for a significant increase in affordable housing and council properties in November 2026. Source
  4. Bromley Council accepted a grant from the GLA's Affordable and Social Housing Programme in October 2026. Source
  5. Merton Council granted planning permission for 67 new homes at 57 High Path, Wimbledon, in October 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 6 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 65

  1. Southwark Council Approves 4.8% Rent Increase and 7.45% Service Charge Hike Amid Financial Pressures Southwark Council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for the upcoming financial year will see rents increase by 4.8%, with service charges rising by an average of 7.45%.... Southwark 6 February 2026
  2. Erith Family Hub Shows Early Success Amidst Challenges in Engagement and Outcome Measurement The Erith Family Hub has shown early promise in its first six months, supporting over 180 families and delivering more than 80 group sessions. However, the hub faces significant... Bexley 6 February 2026
  3. Verbal abuse surges in Lewisham libraries Lewisham libraries are grappling with a significant rise in abusive incidents, with verbal and threatening behaviour now making up over half of all reported cases. Data... Lewisham 6 February 2026
  4. Bexley Children's Services Commissioning Review Identifies Opportunities for Needs-Led Changes and Cost Management Bexley's Children's Services is undergoing a significant transformation, with a particular focus on improving how services are commissioned to better meet the needs of... Bexley 6 February 2026
  5. Richmond Council to Consult on Expanding Bikehangar Capacity Amidst Soaring Demand Richmond upon Thames Council is set to consult on installing up to 40 new on-street bikehangars across the borough in response to soaring demand. The move comes as over 1,250... Richmond upon Thames 6 February 2026
  6. Brent Cross Regeneration Reaches Key Milestones, New Housing and Student Accommodation Delivered Barnet Council's Cabinet has been presented with an update on the regeneration of Brent Cross, highlighting significant progress in delivering new homes and community... Barnet 4 February 2026
  7. Harrow Council to sell South Wales office Harrow Council is set to sell its office building, located on the outskirts of Newport in South Wales, as part of its ongoing asset management strategy. The decision was... Harrow 2 February 2026
  8. Richmond Council to allocate £1.5m for urgent school maintenance Richmond Council is set to allocate £1.5 million towards urgent maintenance work at its schools in the next financial year, as detailed in proposals reviewed by the Education... Richmond upon Thames 1 February 2026