Issue

Affordable Housing

593 stories · discussed at 648 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are currently debating the provision of affordable housing in new developments, with some approving 100% affordable schemes while others grant permission despite its absence.

Councils are currently making decisions on the provision of affordable housing, with some approving schemes that include it and others granting permission despite its absence. In October 2026, Barking and Dagenham Council approved plans for 300 100% affordable homes on Green Belt land. Conversely, Kensington and Chelsea Council granted planning permission for 27 residential flats in October 2026 despite objections from residents and ward councillors regarding the absence of affordable housing contributions. Richmond upon Thames Council also approved a conversion project in October 2026, despite concerns about affordable housing provision.

The topic of affordable housing, which refers to housing made available at a cost accessible to people with low to moderate incomes, is scheduled for further discussion. Waltham Forest Council's Inclusive Growth and Housing Scrutiny Committee is set to discuss its housing resident engagement strategy on October 15, 2026. Havering Council's Planning Committee will consider new residential developments on October 15, 2026, and Hackney's Housing & Homelessness Scrutiny Commission will meet on October 19, 2026.

Key facts

  1. Kensington and Chelsea Council approved 27 flats in October 2026 despite the absence of affordable housing. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
  2. Barking and Dagenham Council approved 300 100% affordable homes in October 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  3. Richmond upon Thames Council approved a conversion in October 2026 despite affordability concerns. Source
  4. Brent Council committed to 19 affordable one-bedroom homes in October 2026. Source
  5. Lambeth Council adopted a housing plan in October 2026 identifying 13 development sites. 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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 18

  1. Lewisham Council to bring children's home back in-house Lewisham Council is set to bring a children's home back under its direct management, with plans approved to refurbish and operate a 5-6 bed property at 200 Kirkdale, Sydenham.... Lewisham 10 September 2026
  2. Lewisham Council to invest £83m in housing repairs Lewisham Council has approved an £83 million investment in housing repairs and maintenance, aiming to enhance the quality and safety of its housing stock. Lewisham 10 September 2026
  3. Lewisham Council approves £54.5m Better Care Fund Lewisham Council has approved the allocation of £54.5 million towards the Better Care Fund for the 2026-27 financial year. This funding, governed by a Section 75 Agreement with... Lewisham 10 September 2026
  4. Lewisham Council to deliver £1.2m health and employment programme Lewisham Council is set to launch a new health and employment programme, named WorkWell, aimed at supporting residents with health-related barriers to finding or retaining work.... Lewisham 10 September 2026
  5. Paragon Asra Housing to Double Richmond Investment Paragon Asra Housing (PA Housing) has announced plans to double its investment in Richmond over the next year, with a budget of £2,311,402 allocated for improvements to 359... Richmond upon Thames 10 September 2026
  6. Council reviews gambling policy amid harm concerns Barking and Dagenham Council's Licensing and Regulatory Committee has reviewed and approved a revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy, aiming to strengthen protections... Barking and Dagenham 10 September 2026
  7. Hackney Council's Homelessness Transformation Programme Faces Scrutiny Amidst Prevention Challenges Hackney Council's Housing and Homelessness Scrutiny Commission has reviewed the local authority's ambitious Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation Supply Transformation... Hackney 10 September 2026
  8. Hackney Council Explores Housing Company to Subsidize Rents and Mitigate Housing Benefit Loss Hackney Council is exploring the establishment of a housing company as a potential avenue to subsidise rents and mitigate housing benefit subsidy losses, with projected savings... Hackney 10 September 2026