Issue

Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

23 stories · discussed at 20 council meetings · 23 councils

Councils are addressing Housing Revenue Account financial pressures while planning significant investments in new homes and housing stock improvements.

Haringey Council is facing a net Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast overspend of £3.478 million for the current financial year, according to a September 2026 report to Cabinet. In contrast, Hounslow Council's HRA is expected to remain on budget, forecasting a £1.7 million contribution to reserves, as reported to Cabinet in September 2026. Lambeth Council's Cabinet noted a projected £9.3 million overspend for the first quarter of the financial year in September 2026.

Councils are also progressing with housing investments and strategy. Haringey's Cabinet Member for Housing approved a contractor in September 2026 to build 37 new homes. Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved a revised capital budget for temporary accommodation conversions in September 2026. Kensington and Chelsea's Audit & Transparency Committee reviewed housing safety standards in September 2026, while Merton Council is reviewing its constitution, including its role as a landlord, as discussed in September 2026.

Looking back, Hounslow Council's HRA reserves were significantly boosted by £4.9 million in July 2026, projected to reach its 15% target three years early. In March 2026, Haringey Council approved a 4.8% rent increase to ensure the HRA's financial health. Harrow Council approved a £751 million, 10-year plan in February 2026 to deliver 1,100 new affordable homes, including £162.9 million for existing stock improvements. Lewisham Council proposed a £602.1 million housing investment over four years in February 2026.

Key facts

  1. Haringey Council faces a net Housing Revenue Account forecast overspend of £3.478 million for the current financial year. Source
  2. Hounslow Council's Housing Revenue Account is expected to remain on budget, forecasting a £1.7 million contribution to reserves. Source
  3. Hounslow Council's Housing Revenue Account reserves were boosted by £4.9 million in July 2026. Source
  4. Haringey Council approved a 4.8% rent increase for existing tenancies in March 2026. Source
  5. Harrow Council approved a £751 million, 10-year plan in February 2026 to deliver 1,100 new affordable homes. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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.

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