Autism
Councils are discussing new support services, housing strategies, and the impact of Mental Health Act reforms for autistic residents.
Councils are currently addressing support for autistic residents, with Redbridge Council developing a new Supported Housing Strategy, discussed in September 2026, to ensure access to quality homes and personalised support. In July 2026, Hackney Council approved a £1.9 million floating housing support service, including enhanced provisions for neurodiverse individuals. Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board received a report in March 2026 highlighting health inequalities and a lack of post-diagnostic support for autistic residents.
Tower Hamlets Council is investigating the disproportionately high number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued to children from Bangladeshi backgrounds, as discussed in September 2026. Kingston Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed the Mental Health Act 2025 reforms in July 2026, which aim to prevent inappropriate detention of autistic individuals. Southwark Council confirmed in October 2025 it would launch a training programme for parents of children with autism.
A major public consultation on the Mental Health Act 2025 draft Code of Practice is anticipated in early 2027, with the new code expected in 2027-2028. The Redbridge Schools Forum is scheduled to discuss autism on 1 October 2026. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction and communication.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets Council is investigating the disproportionately high number of EHCPs issued to children from Bangladeshi backgrounds, as discussed in September 2026. Source
- Redbridge Council is developing a new Supported Housing Strategy, which was discussed in September 2026. Source
- Hackney Council approved a £1.9 million floating housing support service in July 2026, including enhanced support for neurodiverse individuals. Source
- Kingston Council discussed the Mental Health Act 2025 reforms in July 2026, which aim to prevent inappropriate detention of autistic individuals. Source
- Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board received a report in March 2026 detailing health inequalities for autistic residents. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.