The Cabinet of Lambeth Council met on Monday 23 March 2026 to discuss the New Homes Programme update for 2026/27. The meeting approved the continuation of the programme's projects and workstreams, reaffirming the council's ambition to enable the delivery of at least 10,000 new homes over the next decade with a target of 40% affordable housing.

New Homes Programme Update 2026/27

The Cabinet discussed the progress and future plans for Lambeth's New Homes Programme (NHP). Councillor Danial Adilypour, Deputy Leader of the Council (Housing, Investment and New Homes), introduced the item, highlighting the significant housing need in the borough, with over 28,000 households on the waiting list and 4,400 in temporary accommodation. He emphasised the council's commitment to delivering genuinely affordable housing.

Progress made in the past year was detailed, including the completion of the Fenwick Place scheme, which provided 27 homes at social rent, and planning approval for Somerleyton Road Phase 2, which will deliver 378 homes with 56% affordable housing. The establishment of the New Homes Hexagon partnership with Countryside Properties was also noted, aiming to deliver over 500 homes across six council-owned sites. Councillor Adilypour also highlighted recent completions such as Billy Cox House, providing new social housing for local families.

Councillor Scott Ainslie, Green Group Leader, raised concerns about delays and lack of progress on various housing sites, questioning the credibility of delivery timelines. He also expressed concern that national and regional policy changes could reduce affordable housing requirements, potentially leading to revised-down figures for schemes in the pipeline. Georgina Schueller also spoke, raising concerns about rent increases, the effectiveness of repairs, the use of housing stock, and the transparency of housing data.

Cabinet members reiterated the council's commitment to maximising affordable housing delivery, despite national policy changes, citing the success at Somerleyton Road as an example. They confirmed that 359 social rent homes had been delivered since 2017, referencing Appendix 1 of the report, and highlighted recent developments in Brixton that provided approximately 55 social rent homes. The use of Right to Buy receipts to purchase properties was also mentioned as a way to support residents in housing need.

The Equity and Justice Panel's endorsement of the NHP was noted, with the programme expected to address housing inequalities. The panel welcomed the Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) for its balanced approach to long-term benefits and short-term impacts, and its commitments to resident engagement and inclusive design.

Officers explained that the housing pipeline includes both confirmed and indicative sites, a standard practice to support funding bids. They also detailed ongoing work with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to secure long-term funding and future delivery, and the identification of around 40 sites for a funding bid. The council's strategy for working with partners to share risk in delivery was outlined, supported by robust procurement and financial checks.

Councillor Adilypour concluded by reaffirming the council's commitment to delivering 10,000 new homes over the next decade with 40% affordable housing, emphasising the administration's focus on tackling the housing crisis.

The Cabinet resolved to:

• Approve the projects and workstreams for the New Homes Programme (NHP) in 2026/27 and the continuation of deliverables progressed in 2025/26, delegating authority to the Corporate Director of Housing in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council (Housing, Investment and New Homes).
• Note the council's ambition to enable the delivery of at least 10,000 new homes in Lambeth over the next decade, with an ambition to secure 40% affordable housing across the borough's overall development pipeline, and to agree that this ambition will be reviewed annually.
• Note that viability and value-for-money assessments will be completed for all NHP schemes to ensure no financial risk to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) or General Fund (GF).