Issue

Affordable Housing

631 stories · discussed at 792 council meetings · 33 councils

Councils are currently focused on increasing affordable housing supply through new developments and funding, alongside discussions on housing targets and planning policies.

In November 2026, Tower Hamlets Council approved a new development at Tomlinson Close, which will include 33 affordable homes at social rent levels. Also in November 2026, Bexley Labour councillors called for a significant increase in affordable housing and council properties. Bromley Council accepted a grant from the Greater London Authority in October 2026 to support affordable housing development within the borough.

Lewisham Council is set to consult in November 2026 on new planning guidance that will generally discourage further purpose-built student accommodation, citing concerns about its impact on conventional housing targets. Merton Council granted planning permission for 67 new homes at 57 High Path, Wimbledon, in October 2026.

Upcoming meetings in November 2026 for Camden, Haringey, Richmond upon Thames, Kensington and Chelsea, and Redbridge will include discussions related to housing. Affordable housing refers to homes made available for purchase or rent at a cost accessible to people with low to moderate incomes.

Key facts

  1. Tower Hamlets Council approved a development at Tomlinson Close in November 2026 that will deliver 33 affordable homes at social rent levels. Source
  2. Lewisham Council will consult on new planning guidance to discourage further purpose-built student accommodation to avoid compromising housing targets. Source
  3. Bexley Labour councillors called for a significant increase in affordable housing and council properties in November 2026. Source
  4. Bromley Council accepted a grant from the GLA's Affordable and Social Housing Programme in October 2026. Source
  5. Merton Council granted planning permission for 67 new homes at 57 High Path, Wimbledon, in October 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 6 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 70

  1. Merton Council Launches 'Big Conversation' to Gather Resident Input on Future Priorities Merton Council is embarking on a large-scale consultation to gather feedback from residents and those working in the borough to help shape the future of council services.... Merton 7 December 2025
  2. Wandsworth Council Approves £950k Payment in Lieu of Affordable Housing at Fallsbrook Road Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee convened on Monday to discuss a variety of development proposals, including a controversial application to vary a Section... Wandsworth 5 December 2025
  3. Alton Estate Land Appropriation Proposed for Housing Wandsworth Council is proposing to appropriate land near Farnborough House, Rushmere House, and Chilcombe House on the Alton Estate for housing development, sparking discussions... Wandsworth 2 December 2025
  4. £4.2M Unspent in Developer Contributions Bromley Council is holding £4.2 million in unspent developer contributions, according to a report presented at the Development Control Committee Information Briefing on... Bromley 1 December 2025
  5. Harrow Council Buys 140 Homes Under Urgency Procedure Harrow Council has purchased 140 newly built homes using an urgency procedure, it was revealed at a council meeting on 27 November 2025. The homes will be added to the Housing... Harrow 1 December 2025
  6. Merton Council Faces Growing Budget Gap: £20M Shortfall by 2029 Merton Council is grappling with a significant budget shortfall, projected to reach £20 million by 2029, according to reports discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee... Merton 30 November 2025
  7. Ealing Council Considers Developing 'Grey Belt' to Meet Housing Targets Ealing Council is considering developing areas currently designated as 'grey belt' to meet increasing housing targets driven by the new London Plan. Ealing 30 November 2025
  8. Haringey Council to Review HMO Licensing After Guardian Report Haringey Council is set to review its licensing of Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) following a report in The Guardian newspaper. The decision was made at a Full Council... Haringey 28 November 2025