The Mayor’s Housing Strategy is outdated and not fit for purpose, claims Sian Berry AM.
Today, during Mayor’s Question Time, Sian urged the Mayor to update his four-year-old Housing Strategy in light of the many changes its publication in 2018. The new strategy, she highlighted, must tackle overcrowding, include timely housing targets and cover alternative ways of providing social rent housing.
Green Party London Assembly Member Sian Berry said:
Too many Londoners are struggling in homes that do not meet basic standards. Overcrowding is becoming even more of a problem for Londoners. Rents are soaring and access to good quality housing is reducing.
“A lot has changed in the last few years, and it is essential that the Mayor updates his Housing Strategy to address all the problems that were made worse by the pandemic.
“He has just published a new Police and Crime Plan, so it makes sense to come forward with a proper plan for housing now. London needs a new, fit for purpose plan that protects the roofs over their heads.
Overcrowding has worsened during the pandemic, with estimates that the overcrowding rate rose to as high as 15 per cent in London.[1] This is double the baseline set out in the current housing strategy.[2]
Notes to editors
[1] London Assembly Housing Committee Overcrowding in London transcript, Tuesday 18 January 2022, https://www.london.gov.uk/about-us/londonassembly/meetings/documents/b24208/Meeting%20Notes%20Appendix%201%20Housing%20Committee%20Transcript%20Panel%201%20January%202022%20Tuesday%2018-Jan-2022%2010.0.pdf?T=9
[2] London Housing Strategy 2018, page 147, https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2018_lhs_london_housing_strategy.pdf
Watch the full exchange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aU1eTBrdOc