The GLA’s most recent strategic housing market assessment identified a need for 15,722 social rented homes to be built each year in London – however the government has committed no further funds.
The London Assembly today agreed a motion to call on the Government to provide sufficient funds to meet the need for new social housing in London, and for the Mayor to reflect this in his London Plan.
Sian Berry AM, who proposed the motion said:
“Millions of Londoners are struggling to pay their rent, but with Starter Homes the Government is only helping a few lucky people buy a very expensive home. We need them to look seriously at the huge need for low rent housing in London and give us the funds and powers to provide social housing for people on lower incomes.”
The full text of the Motion is:
This Assembly notes that the GLA’s most recent strategic housing market assessment identified a need for 15,722 social rented homes to be built each year in London, one third of the total number of homes to be built.
This Assembly notes that the autumn 2015 Spending Review provided no further funds for social rented homes, and that the Housing and Planning Act 2016 introduced duties for local planning authorities to promote, and grant permission, for Starter Homes, which will come at the expense of social rented homes.
This Assembly therefore calls on the Government to provide sufficient funds in future spending reviews to meet the need for new social housing in London, and calls on the Mayor to bring forward a housing budget and a revised London Plan and Housing Strategy that will continue to provide more social housing.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed by 14 votes for and 4 against.
- Sian Berry AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews. Please see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Ben Walker on 020 7983 5769. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.