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 19

  1. Hackney Council's Homelessness Transformation Programme Faces Challenges in Demand Management and Supply Hackney Council's Homelessness Transformation Programme is facing significant challenges in managing demand and increasing the supply of temporary accommodation, according to a... Hackney 10 September 2026
  2. Renters' Rights Act hits Hackney: prevention success drops 29% Hackney Council has experienced a significant drop in its success rate for preventing homelessness, with a 29% decrease in successful prevention and relief outcomes reported in... Hackney 10 September 2026
  3. Raymond Court Flats Approved After History of Appeals and Design Revisions Barnet Council's Planning Committee has approved plans for a mansard roof extension at Raymond Court, Pembroke Road, which will add four new self-contained flats to the existing... Barnet 10 September 2026
  4. Barnet Council Faces Market Challenges for Housing Projects Barnet Council is grappling with a challenging market for its housing development projects, facing significant headwinds from inflation, rising interest rates, and a notable... Barnet 9 September 2026
  5. New task force to tackle waste above shops Barnet Council is set to establish a new task force aimed at tackling the persistent issue of waste and recycling challenges in flats above shops across the borough. The... Barnet 9 September 2026
  6. Barnet Council tackles abandoned dockless bikes Barnet Council is developing a multi-pronged strategy to address the escalating issue of abandoned dockless bikes, with councillors discussing a range of options at the... Barnet 9 September 2026
  7. Brent Council Approves New Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Framework and Action Plan for 2026-2030 Brent Council has approved a new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan for 2026-2030, aiming to address significant disparities and improve relationships with... Brent 9 September 2026
  8. Housing complaints rise, but response times improve Hounslow Council's Cabinet has noted a significant rise in housing landlord complaints, with figures increasing by 7.5% in the 2025/26 financial year. However, the council has... Hounslow 9 September 2026