Responding to the Rt Hon. Michael Gove’s review of the London Plan, Antonia Jennings, CEO at Centre for London, said:

 “The government is right to show deep concern around housebuilding in London. With each wave of new ONS data, each new poll, and each new piece of research, the evidence shows London’s housing crisis is worsening. 

Over 42,000 children are living in temporary accommodation, disrupting their schooling. Two in five Londoners live with damp or mould, leaving them vulnerable to recurring illness. One in four Londoners are living in poverty after paying extortionate housing costs, meaning many cannot afford the essentials and are forced to use food banks.   

Yet, Gove’s review of the London Plan barely scratches the surface of the need. London Borough Councils – particularly planning departments – have been underfunded for more than a decade. Their overall resources remain 18% lower in real terms than in 2010, despite catering to 800,000 more residents. Short term, one-time grants of £500,000 are necessary to unlock new housing immediately, but do not go far enough to invest in a long-term housing solution. 

If Michael Gove is serious about ending London’s Housing Crisis, he needs to commit £15.1bn a year to build social homes. This would unlock 30,000 new social homes in London, providing genuinely affordable housing for those who need it most. The cost may be high, but the cost of inaction will be significantly higher.”