Figures released show a record-breaking number of affordable homes were started with City Hall’s support last year — including the highest number of new council homes in London in 34 years.
The new statistics show 14,544 affordable homes were started in the year 2018/19 — more than in any year since City Hall took control of housing investment in the capital and exceeding the target of 14,000 agreed with Government ministers. This total includes more homes at social rent levels than ever before (3,991) and 1,916 council homes — more than in any year since 1984/85.
The total number is more than double the 7,189 homes that were started in the final year of the previous mayoralty (2015/16). These figures underline the Mayor’s determination to do everything in his power to tackle London’s housing crisis and he is urging the Government to give him greater powers and resources to continue this success.
Sadiq is investing £1bn into building 14,700 new council homes, which includes 11,000 social rented homes over the next three years. He has secured a total of £4.8bn from Government to start building 116,000 new homes in the capital by 2022.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “These record-breaking figures show that focusing on building council and social rented homes for Londoners is the right way to tackle the capital’s housing crisis.
“Not only do these figures beat our own records from last year, but this is more than double the number the previous Mayor started in the final year of his term.
“My Building Council Homes for Londoners programme has made huge progress already — with more council homes started than in any year since 1985. Councils are beginning to build again after decades of their hands being tied behind their backs — but national Government needs to match our ambition and determination to deliver the homes Londoners so urgently need.
“We currently receive only a fraction of the affordable housing investment needed in London. Ministers must make a real step-change in the funding and powers we have in London if we are to truly turn around the capital’s housing crisis.”
In response, the Chair of the London Assembly Housing Committee, Tom Copley AM said: “Tackling our capital’s burgeoning housing crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing City Hall.
“This appears to be a welcome announcement from the Mayor, which could provide a glimmer of much needed hope. Londoners have been struggling on seemingly interminable housing waiting lists and in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
“Even more progress could be made with affordable housing if the Government devolves more powers and funding to the Mayor.
“The Housing Committee will be examining these affordable housing figures in detail when the Deputy Mayor for Housing, James Murray, appears before us in June.”
Image above ©duncanandison/AdobeStock.
