Responding to the release of the London Assembly’s latest annual Affordable Housing Monitor, Stephanie Pollitt, Programme Director for Housing at BusinessLDN, said:
“With a quarter of Londoners living in poverty after accommodation costs are considered, these figures are a stark reminder of the acute housing crisis facing the capital and the urgent need to kickstart delivery. The announcement last week of the biggest ever Affordable Homes Programme settlement for the city is hugely welcome and the industry stands ready to work with Government to deliver the new homes that Londoners need.
“That money should be allocated swiftly and flexibly to crowd in additional investment, with any remaining funds left over in the national pot directed to areas of greatest need.
“The Government should also work with the private sector to explore innovative funding models that can help to deliver shovel-ready projects such as the DLR to Thamesmead and Bakerloo line extension, which have the potential to unlock tens of thousands of new homes in London.”