Housing Issues
Councils are currently addressing rising housing complaints, mental health links, and strategies to increase housing availability.
Kensington and Chelsea Council reported a 40% increase in complaints for 2025/26, with housing issues being a significant factor, partly due to a cyber-attack in November 2025. Hackney Council's Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission launched a review in July 2026 into mental health outcomes for Black women, noting links to housing inequalities. Croydon Council is implementing a "status on a page" system, proposed in April 2026, to streamline updates on housing issues for its Housing Assurance Board.
To address housing shortages, Kingston Council approved forming a company in November 2025 to acquire 150 homes. Sutton Council considered converting shared ownership housing at Beech Tree Place to affordable rent in November 2025, aiming to increase availability for residents in temporary accommodation. Harrow Council also bid to acquire 140 newly built homes in October 2025 to reduce reliance on temporary housing.
Housing issues, concerning the availability, quality, and affordability of residential properties, are discussed at various council meetings. Tower Hamlets Council's Overview & Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to discuss its provisional budget for 2026-27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026-29 in January 2026.
Key facts
- Kensington and Chelsea Council's complaints increased by 40% in 2025/26, with housing issues leading. Source
- Hackney Council launched a review in July 2026 into mental health outcomes for Black women, linked to housing. Source
- Croydon Council is implementing a 'status on a page' system for housing issue updates, proposed in April 2026. Source
- Kingston Council approved forming a company in November 2025 to acquire 150 homes to tackle the housing crisis. Source
- Sutton Council considered converting shared ownership housing to affordable rent in November 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.