Housing Crisis
Councils are currently debating housing targets and strategies to increase affordable housing and address housing shortages.
In November 2026, Southwark councillors questioned the council’s target to build 500 genuinely affordable homes, as part of its Borough Action Plan reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Also in November 2026, Bexley Labour councillors called for a significant increase in affordable housing and council properties, criticising the council's current approach.
In October 2026, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet decided to end regeneration plans for Central Hill and Cressingham Gardens estates and removed other sites from its New Homes Programme. Hackney Council’s Cabinet approved investments in temporary accommodation in September 2026, including the acquisition of 319 units. Southwark Council Assembly is scheduled to meet on 18 November 2026.
The housing crisis refers to a situation where the demand for housing significantly exceeds the supply, leading to unaffordable prices, limited availability, and issues such as homelessness. Councils are working to address these challenges through various plans and initiatives.
Key facts
- Southwark Council’s target is to build 500 genuinely affordable homes as part of its Borough Action Plan. Source
- Southwark's Borough Action Plan underwent pre-scrutiny by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 4 November 2026. Source
- Bexley Labour councillors called for a significant increase in housing starts, focusing on affordable housing and council properties, at a council meeting on 4 November 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 11 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.