The Association of London Government welcomes the proposed 14% increase for London’s regional housing pot over the next two years (10 December 2004, page 7).

However, we are disappointed with the drop in the capital’s overall share of national funds.

The ALG estimates that London needs an extra 4000 social rented homes a year from the additional 10,000 social rented units promised in the comprehensive spending review, yet the increase in affordable housing resources announced by the ODPM amounts to less than half the additional funding required.

If London does not have the means to build these additional homes, it is unlikely it will be able to meet current London Plan targets and, more importantly, reduce the rising number of households in temporary accommodation or tackle the increasing number of households living in severely overcrowded conditions.

London boroughs have a good track record of using resources efficiently and effectively to address the challenges they face, notably in their successful reduction of the use of bed-and-breakfast accommodation for homeless families.

It is vital that boroughs get the resources they need to build on this and deliver the best possible housing services for Londoners.

Tony Newman chair of the housing panelAssociation of London Government

Source

Housing Today