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 26

  1. Tower Hamlets Housing Performance Shows Mixed Results with Key Areas Needing Improvement Tower Hamlets Council's housing performance presents a mixed picture, with improvements in some areas offset by ongoing challenges in others, according to a report presented to... Tower Hamlets 31 July 2026
  2. Tower Hamlets joins regional fostering service Tower Hamlets Council has officially joined a regional fostering service, aiming to enhance recruitment, assessment, and support for foster carers. The decision, approved by the... Tower Hamlets 31 July 2026
  3. Council approves revised parking fees Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet has approved revised parking fees and charges aimed at managing demand and enhancing the financial sustainability of the parking service. The... Tower Hamlets 31 July 2026
  4. Tottenham Hale sites to host co-living, affordable homes, hotel Haringey Council's Planning Sub Committee has received pre-application briefings on significant new developments planned for Tottenham Hale. The proposals, which span two key... Haringey 31 July 2026
  5. Plans for 174 hostel beds at Crouch End YMCA revealed Plans have been revealed for a new 174-bed hostel at the Crouch End YMCA site on Tottenham Lane, Hornsey. The proposal, presented to Haringey Council's Planning Sub Committee on... Haringey 31 July 2026
  6. Tottenham Hale Development Falls Short of Affordable Housing Targets Haringey Council's Planning Sub Committee has been presented with proposals for the Ashley House and Cannon Factory sites in Tottenham Hale, aiming to deliver a significant... Haringey 31 July 2026
  7. Brent Council's £20m Reserves a Concern Amidst Projected £9.5m Overspend Brent Council's reserves have fallen to £20 million, a figure described as a concern by councillors, particularly in light of a projected £9.5 million overspend for the current... Brent 31 July 2026
  8. Wandsworth Council Launches £3.4m Crisis and Resilience Fund for Low-Income Households Wandsworth Council Launches £3.4m Fund to Tackle Poverty and Boost Financial Resilience Wandsworth 30 July 2026