housing needs
Councils are currently focusing on increasing housing supply and improving the quality and management of existing homes.
Councils are currently focusing on increasing housing supply and improving the quality of existing accommodation. Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved £143 million in July 2026 for 3,000 new homes, with over half designated as affordable housing, building on a new build housing programme approved in January 2026. In May 2026, Harrow Council's Planning Committee approved converting former public toilets into seven new flats. Croydon Council is implementing measures to address concerns over temporary accommodation quality, including a new landlord scheme, as of March 2026.
Efforts are also underway to bring empty properties back into use and manage housing services. Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved a strategy in February 2026 to tackle long-term empty homes through support and enforcement. This follows Islington Council's decision in December 2025 to charge a premium on council tax for long-term empty and second homes. Kensington and Chelsea's Housing & Communities Select Committee reviewed the performance of Housing Management and Needs departments in June 2026. No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss housing needs.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved £143,235,790 for 3,000 new homes in July 2026. Source
- Harrow Council's Planning Committee approved seven new flats from former public toilets in May 2026. Source
- Croydon Council is implementing measures to address temporary accommodation quality concerns as of March 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved a strategy to tackle long-term empty homes in February 2026. Source
- Islington Council decided to charge a premium on council tax for empty and second homes in December 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.