37,000 new affordable homes for London

Date: 10th February 2009

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson announced today that he has already identified which London boroughs will deliver three quarters of his affordable housing target.

The Mayor has reached a provisional agreement with 14 London boroughs to deliver over 16,750 homes. The remaining 19 boroughs have already identified a further 20,500 affordable homes, and the Mayor expects to conclude provisional agreements with these boroughs in the coming months to meet his pledge to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over three years.

Boris Johnson made a manifesto commitment to scrap Ken Livingstone's rigid housing targets in favour of individually negotiated agreements with the boroughs.

The Mayor is now exploring the potential for boroughs to have greater influence over, and responsibility for, the delivery of affordable housing in their local area. City Hall will shortly begin discussions with the 14 boroughs who have agreed provisional agreed targets over measures to give local communities more influence over housing in their area.

Boris Johnson said,

"I am delighted to report that, together with councils across London, we have already identified where 37,000 new affordable homes will be delivered, which is over three quarters of my ambitious affordable housing target.

‘This is extremely encouraging news for Londoners who are looking for their first step on the housing ladder and a much-needed boost for the construction industry during the current economic downturn.

‘In the past City Hall issued dictats and centrally produced targets, regardless of local circumstances. We have taken a completely fresh approach and based our discussions with the boroughs on the individual circumstances in each area rather than treating every local authority the same regardless of need, demand or housing stock.

‘I firmly believe that the boroughs must take a lead on local decisions over the type of housing that is delivered in their area. The best way of delivering the affordable housing which is so vital for the future of our city is for the boroughs, the Homes and Communities Agency and the GLA to work in tandem not in opposition".

The Mayor's Director of Housing, Richard Blakeway said

"We believe that devolving housing decisions is the best way to deliver the quality affordable housing that is so desperately needed in London.

‘Today's announcement of 37,000 additional affordable homes shows we can make real progress by giving more responsibility to the boroughs who know the housing needs of their local communities the best.

‘The provisional agreements we have made represent an increase of almost 10,000 homes on previous targets negotiated between the Government and London boroughs and will bring some much needed certainty to the housing market in the capital.

‘We will continue negotiations with the remaining 19 boroughs to make further progress towards the Mayor's ambitious affordable homes pledge of 50,000 homes.

‘Locally agreed targets are just one part of our fresh approach which is also committed to improving the quality of homes, increasing mobility and empowering communities."

Courtesy of: http://www.london.org.uk/

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