Issue

Affordable Housing

630 stories · discussed at 794 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 68

  1. Hillingdon Council grapples with rising demand for temporary accommodation Hillingdon Council is grappling with significant pressure on its homelessness services, driven by a high demand for temporary accommodation and a growing strain on its budget.... Hillingdon 19 January 2026
  2. Hillingdon Council Approves Revised Local Development Scheme Timetable Hillingdon Council's Cabinet has endorsed a revised timetable for its Local Development Scheme (LDS), which will guide the borough's development over the next 15 years. The... Hillingdon 19 January 2026
  3. 18-storey tower approved for Hoe Street Waltham Forest Council's Planning Committee has approved plans for an 18-storey mixed-use tower on Hoe Street, Walthamstow, which will deliver 66 new Build to Rent (BtR)... Waltham Forest 18 January 2026
  4. Harrow Council Intensifies Fight Against Illegal HMOs with Focus on Headstone Harrow Council is intensifying its efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the borough, with a particular focus on areas like... Harrow 18 January 2026
  5. Harrow's ambitious housing targets challenged by market viability and site limitations Harrow Council's ambitious housing targets are facing significant headwinds, with development pace described as stagnant this year, according to discussions at the Overview and... Harrow 18 January 2026
  6. Council objects to Chivalry Hall alterations Wandsworth Council's Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee has unanimously objected to proposed alterations at Chivalry Hall, citing concerns over the impact on the... Wandsworth 15 January 2026
  7. Tower Hamlets Cabinet Approves 2026-27 Budget Amidst Financial Pressures Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved the budget for the 2026-27 financial year, alongside the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-29. The decision was made... Tower Hamlets 10 January 2026
  8. Islington Council Committee Reviews Asbestos Management, Tenant Satisfaction, and Housing Services Islington Council's Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 18 December 2025, to discuss key housing issues, including asbestos management, tenant... Islington 22 December 2025