Sadiq Khan’s Struggle with Affordable Home Construction Targets
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has faced criticism for falling short on affordable home construction targets in the city. The Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26 (AHP) overseen by Khan only saw the completion of 71 new affordable homes during the last economic quarter, significantly below the set target. The program also started work on just 150 additional properties between April and June 2024, raising concerns about the mayor’s ability to address London’s housing challenges.
Challenges Faced by the Affordable Homes Programme
The AHP, funded with £4 billion of government money and managed by City Hall, was initially designed to deliver 35,000 dwellings across the capital between 2021 and 2026. However, the target was later revised to between 23,900 and 27,200 due to various factors impacting construction and affordability in the city. This adjustment meant that around 1,100 new homes need to be built each quarter to meet the lower limit of the target.
Affordable homes play a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of individuals who may struggle to afford market prices in London. These homes are typically sold or let through public and private schemes at 20% below local market value, providing much-needed relief to residents facing financial constraints. Khan’s focus on homes for social rent, London Living Rent, and shared ownership reflects his commitment to offering affordable housing solutions to a diverse range of Londoners.
Criticism and Calls for Action
The Conservative Party has raised concerns about the low number of affordable homes being built in London under Khan’s leadership. They have called on housing secretary Angela Rayner to put the Greater London Authority (GLA) under “special measures” to address the housing shortfall in the capital. The Tories argue that urgent action is needed to accelerate the construction of affordable homes and meet the growing demand for housing in London.
London Assembly member Lord Bailey has also criticized Khan’s performance in delivering affordable homes, highlighting the discrepancy between the mayor’s housing ambitions and the actual number of homes completed. Bailey emphasized the need for additional oversight and support from the government to ensure that London’s housing targets are met and that residents have access to quality, affordable housing options.
Comparing Khan’s Record with Previous Administrations
Government figures show that more ‘net additional dwellings’ were created in London during Sadiq Khan’s tenure compared to the previous administration led by Boris Johnson. However, the number of new homes built in London in 2023/4 has been recorded as 14,590, the lowest figure in over two decades. This decline in housing construction highlights the challenges faced by Khan in meeting the housing needs of Londoners and the importance of addressing these issues promptly.
Lord Bailey’s letter to Angela Rayner underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action to address the housing crisis in London. By placing the Mayor of London and the GLA in special measures, Bailey believes that targeted support and oversight can help expedite the construction of affordable homes and ensure that housing targets are met to benefit the residents of the city.
Labor’s Plan for a Housing “Revolution”
Angela Rayner, the housing secretary, has outlined Labour’s plan for a housing “revolution” across England, aiming to address the acute housing crisis facing the country. The Labour Party’s proposal includes a significant overhaul of the planning system and an increase in the overall housing target for the UK to 370,000 homes per year. While London’s target has been adjusted to 80,000 homes per year, Rayner has emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling the housing shortage and providing quality housing options for residents.
The government’s efforts to boost housing construction and affordability in London are crucial in addressing the housing challenges faced by residents in the city. By working collaboratively with local authorities and housing providers, the government aims to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes and ensure that Londoners have access to safe, secure housing options that meet their needs.
In response to the criticisms leveled against him, Sadiq Khan’s spokesperson highlighted the mayor’s track record in meeting Affordable Homes Programme targets and delivering genuinely affordable homes to residents. Despite the challenges posed by high construction costs and borrowing expenses, Khan remains committed to building the homes that London needs and working closely with the government to achieve housing targets and create a fairer city for all.
In conclusion, the issue of affordable housing construction in London requires a coordinated and proactive approach from government officials, local authorities, and housing providers. By addressing the challenges faced by the sector and implementing targeted solutions, London can overcome its housing crisis and ensure that residents have access to quality, affordable housing options. Sadiq Khan’s efforts to meet housing targets and deliver affordable homes demonstrate his commitment to addressing the housing needs of Londoners and creating a more inclusive and sustainable city for all.
