More than 50,000 new council homes could be built across London over the next 10 years, according to plans drawn up by the capital’s boroughs.
If all the homes were built, the number of council homes in London would increase by almost 15%. Boroughs currently own and manage about 390,000 homes.
But the plans would need £12.3bn in government grant funding, according to an analysis by London Councils.
Government has allocated £11.7bn to a national programme for social and affordable housing between 2026 and 2036. That money will also be used for homes built by housing associations and private developers.
The 50,000 homes are not yet guaranteed to be built. They are projects put forward by boroughs which could go ahead if funding is secured.
Cllr Anthony Okereke, London Councils’ executive member for housing and homelessness, said: ‘These figures demonstrate boroughs’ ambitious commitment to building the next generation of council housing across the capital.
‘Boroughs want to build more. We have identified a pipeline of over 50,000 new council homes we could deliver in the coming years. These are specific development opportunities where we are seeking funding for new council housing.’
Ahead of the autumn budget, the cross-party group is calling for more government funding to help build the homes and for councils to be given better access to cheap loans.
It also wants more funding to allow boroughs to buy existing homes, which can be used for affordable housing or temporary accommodation.
The Greater London Authority is expected to confirm how the £11.7bn housing programme will be allocated.
Image: Maxim Melnikov/UnSplash
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