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 25

  1. Waltham Forest Council Reports £28.7 Million Capital Budget Slippage Waltham Forest Council has reported a significant slippage of £28.7 million in its capital budget for the 2025/26 financial year, representing 17% of the overall capital budget.... Waltham Forest 18 July 2026
  2. Waltham Forest Council Approves New Planning Committee Rules to Streamline Process Waltham Forest Council has adopted new rules governing its Planning Committee, aiming to streamline the planning process in line with national legislation. The changes, approved... Waltham Forest 18 July 2026
  3. Demolition and 61 new homes approved at High Road West Haringey Council's Cabinet has approved the demolition of properties on High Road West and the construction of 61 new council homes as part of Phase 1A of the development. The... Haringey 18 July 2026
  4. Merton Council buys 125 homes for homeless Merton Council has approved the purchase of 125 homes to increase the availability of affordable housing for residents at risk of homelessness. Merton 17 July 2026
  5. Second Home Spitalfields gains licence despite noise fears A controversial licence application for a late-night takeaway on Brick Lane has been refused, with councillors citing concerns over public nuisance and the applicant's past... Tower Hamlets 17 July 2026
  6. Merton tightens rules on Houses in Multiple Occupation Merton Council has moved to tighten regulations on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) by recommending the permanent confirmation of an Article 4 Direction. This means that... Merton 17 July 2026
  7. Lewisham Council to Improve Corporate Enquiries System Lewisham Council is undertaking a comprehensive project to enhance its corporate enquiries system, aiming to create a more modern, integrated, and resident-focused service. The... Lewisham 17 July 2026
  8. Better Care Fund misses targets for reducing hospital delays Richmond upon Thames' Better Care Fund (BCF) has fallen short of its targets for reducing hospital delays and admissions to residential care in the 2025-26 reporting period. The... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026