Housing Revenue Account (HRA)
Hammersmith and Fulham's Housing Revenue Account shows improved financial strength, while other councils address overspends and invest in housing repairs.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) showed significant improvement and financial strength in April 2026, with a 10-year business plan aiming to build reserves, according to Councillor Rowan Ree, Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform. In contrast, Greenwich Council's HRA was forecasting a £2.4 million overspend in December 2025, primarily due to legal disrepair costs, as reported to its cabinet. Croydon Council's HRA also had a provisional overspend of £6.3 million in July 2025, requiring a drawdown from reserves.
Enfield Council allocated an additional £1.5 million from HRA reserves for housing repairs in November 2025, in response to Awaab's Law, a decision revealed at an Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting. Lewisham Council increased its HRA budget for housing repairs by £6.2 million in September 2025, aiming to reduce its maintenance backlog and improve housing quality, as highlighted at a Public Accounts Select Committee meeting. Merton Council's Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel noted the expected benefits of reopening the HRA in March 2026, including increased investment in housing.
The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is the ring-fenced account used by local authorities in England and Wales to manage income and expenditure related to council housing. Councils are currently discussing how to manage HRA finances to ensure sustainability and fund necessary housing improvements and repairs for residents.
Key facts
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council's HRA showed significant improvement and financial strength in April 2026. Source
- Greenwich Council's HRA was forecasting a £2.4 million overspend in December 2025. Source
- Enfield Council allocated an additional £1.5 million from HRA reserves for housing repairs in November 2025. Source
- Lewisham Council increased its HRA budget for housing repairs by £6.2 million in September 2025. Source
- Croydon Council's HRA had a provisional overspend of £6.3 million in July 2025. 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.