Issue

housing delivery

6 stories · discussed at 6 council meetings · 10 councils

Councils are grappling with housing delivery targets and financial viability, while also addressing planning capacity and the provision of social housing.

Councils are currently grappling with the financial viability and deliverability of new homes. Wandsworth Council questioned the realism of the Mayor of London's Draft London Plan housing target of 2,343 homes per year in September 2026, citing slowing build-out rates. In September 2026, Barnet Council reported that inflation, rising interest rates, and reduced buyer demand are making some housing schemes unviable. Tower Hamlets Council's £609 million housing investment plan faced scrutiny over its financial realism in July 2026.

Addressing housing needs, Lambeth Council plans to significantly increase social rent housing, shifting away from reliance on private sales for cross-subsidy, as discussed in July 2026. To enhance delivery capacity, Newham Council accepted a grant in August 2026 to recruit three new planning officers. Lewisham Council authorised planning permission for a 20-apartment residential building in August 2026 and noted upcoming changes to planning application determination due to new national legislation in July 2026.

Key facts

  1. Wandsworth Council questioned the Mayor of London's Draft London Plan housing target of 2,343 homes per year in September 2026. Source
  2. Barnet Council reported in September 2026 that inflation and rising interest rates are making some housing schemes unviable. Source
  3. Barnet ranked fifth out of 33 London boroughs for housing delivery in 2025. Source
  4. Tower Hamlets Council's £609 million housing investment plan aims to deliver over 6,400 affordable homes. Source
  5. Lambeth Council plans to significantly increase social rent housing, shifting away from reliance on private sales for cross-subsidy. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Wandsworth Council Challenges London Plan Housing Targets and Policies Wandsworth Council has voiced significant concerns over the Mayor of London's Draft London Plan, questioning the realism and local applicability of proposed housing targets and... Wandsworth 26 September 2026
  2. Barnet Council Faces Market Challenges for Housing Projects Barnet Council is grappling with a challenging market for its housing development projects, facing significant headwinds from inflation, rising interest rates, and a notable... Barnet 9 September 2026
  3. Tower Hamlets Council's £609 Million Housing Investment Plan Faces Scrutiny Over Financial Realism and Delivery Capacity Tower Hamlets Council's ambitious housing and regeneration plans, including a £609 million investment in council homes, are facing scrutiny over their financial realism and... Tower Hamlets 21 July 2026
  4. Lambeth Council to Increase Social Rent Housing Lambeth Council is set to significantly increase its provision of social rent housing as part of a broader strategy to tackle the borough's housing crisis. The Housing Scrutiny... Lambeth 17 July 2026
  5. Bromley Council Considers Options for Library Service Future Bromley Council is weighing several options for the future of its library service, ranging from maintaining the status quo to reducing opening hours and potentially closing some... Bromley 30 November 2025
  6. Islington Council Approves Long Lease for Housing Delivery Islington Council has approved a long lease to support housing delivery, according to a recent meeting of the Executive held on Thursday 14 August 2025. The decision followed... Islington 18 August 2025