Press Release

Mayor objects to Redbridge Council's 'woeful' housing targets
20-8-2007   511

Redbridge Council is neglecting the needs of its residents by refusing to build enough affordable homes, the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said today.

The Mayor's comments follow the Council's latest submission to the independent inspectorate, stating if it were forced to set a target for new affordable homes in the borough, that target would be just 25 per cent.

The Mayor's London Plan sets a target across London that 50 per cent of all new homes built should be affordable. In line with the Mayor's target, many boroughs have not only set a target of 50 per cent, but are achieving 50 per cent or more.

The Mayor Ken Livingstone said: ‘Redbridge Council is clearly not interested in providing homes for local residents who cannot afford to buy at current market prices. 

‘The Council favours a 25 per cent target, based on past performance, saying that it would rather set a target it knows it can achieve, but this is a fundamental mistake and a betrayal of local people especially when even the Council's own housing needs study recommends a 50 per cent target.

‘Since the adoption of the London-wide target, the amount of affordable homes across London has increased each year, largely because boroughs are setting ambitious targets.

‘This episode once again shows why the Government is absolutely right to give me new powers on housing and planning, so I can do everything I can to meet the housing needs of Londoners, despite the appalling lack of ambition in councils like Redbridge.’
ENDS

Notes to Editors

1) Independent Planning Inspectorate requested Redbridge Council's Chief Executive to write to the Inspectorate clarifying their position. The Inspectorate has given the Greater London Authority the opportunity to respond, which was sent on 14 August 2007. To view correspondence go to http://www.redbridge.gov.uk/cms/environment__planning/planning__regeneration/core_strategy_eip/keycorrespondence.aspx

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