Issue

Affordable Housing

543 stories · discussed at 603 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are tackling housing shortages and homelessness through new strategies and development plans.

Croydon Council approved a new strategy in September 2026 to tackle homelessness and boost housing supply, projecting £10 million in savings. Southwark Council adopted a vision in September 2026 to combat child poverty and increase affordable homes, acknowledging high child poverty rates and housing department failings. Haringey's Cabinet Member for Housing approved a contractor in September 2026 to build 37 new homes at Woodridings Court N22.

Lambeth Council's Cabinet approved plans for approximately 830 new homes in September 2026, but the council faces a £9.3 million overspend, partly due to increased temporary accommodation costs. Hillingdon Council provided 510 social housing lettings over the past year, though it faces a chronic shortage of larger properties. Hackney Council defeated a motion in September 2026 concerning resident moves during regeneration due to financial and contractual risks.

Councils continue to address the provision of housing that is affordable to those with low to moderate incomes. Westminster's Growth and Planning and Children's and Education Policy and Scrutiny Committee and Havering's Strategic Planning Committee are scheduled to meet on October 1, 2026. Waltham Forest's Executive Decision is set for October 2, 2026.

Key facts

  1. Croydon Council approved a strategy in September 2026 aiming for £10 million in savings by tackling homelessness and boosting housing supply. Source
  2. Lambeth Council's Cabinet approved the SADPD in September 2026, paving the way for approximately 830 new homes. Source
  3. Hillingdon Council provided 510 social housing lettings over the past year, with 271 being council homes. Source
  4. Southwark Council's housing department was rated as having serious failings by the Regulator of Social Housing in September 2026. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 19

  1. Merton Council Approves 'Car-Lite' Mitcham Development with 249 Social Homes Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for a significant mixed-use development at 1-12 Majestic Way, Mitcham. The project, which... Merton 1 August 2026
  2. New Mitcham development to include 1,308 sqm commercial space A new mixed-use development at 1-12 Majestic Way in Mitcham, featuring 1,308 square meters of commercial space and 249 social rented homes, has been approved by Merton Council's... Merton 1 August 2026
  3. Mitcham Town Centre Regeneration Fund to Receive £60,000 from New Housing Development Merton Council's Development and Planning Applications Committee has approved a £60,000 contribution towards the regeneration of Mitcham Town Centre as part of a major new... Merton 1 August 2026
  4. Richmond Council Adopts New Private Rented Sector Offer Policy to Reduce Homelessness and Costs Richmond Council has adopted a new Private Rented Sector Offer Policy aimed at improving choices for individuals facing homelessness and reducing the council's expenditure on... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  5. Richmond Council to support tenants in private rented sector Richmond Council is set to implement a new policy aimed at supporting tenants in the private rented sector, with the goal of improving choices for those facing homelessness and... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  6. Landlord checks to be enhanced under new Richmond policy Richmond Council has adopted a new Private Rented Sector Offer Policy, aiming to enhance landlord checks and provide more settled accommodation options for individuals facing... Richmond upon Thames 1 August 2026
  7. 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
  8. 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