Analysis published this week shows that London needs to double the number of new homes being built annually if the capital is to tackle its housing crisis.

Delivering on London’s Housing Requirement – an interim report shares findings from on-going research that indicates a need for 90,000-100,000 new homes each year to meet demand and improve affordability. The most recent government data shows 41,718 completions in London in 2019/20.

The forecasts for 2021-25 also highlight that private housebuilders are focused on the upper mainstream price bands only affordable to higher earners. While need is being met in these price bands, London’s demand for affordable housing is almost eight times greater than the number of homes forecast to be delivered (7.6 times greater than supply, compared to the national average of 2.6 in England).

The chronic shortage of affordable housing is a key factor in London’s homelessness crisis, with the capital accounting for around two thirds of all homelessness in England.

The joint research from the London Housing Directors Group (LHDG) at London Councils and the G15 group of London’s largest housing associations also shows that more social housing is key to meeting the housing needs of low and middle-income Londoners.

Writing in the MJ this week, London Councils' Executive Member for Crime and Public Protection Cllr Jas Athwal has warned that the capital is experiencing "a perfect storm" when it comes to serious violence.

The combination of the ending of most Covid-19 restrictions, pent up feuds, the re-opening of the night time economy and school summer holidays potentially puts more young people at risk of exploitation and involvement in serious violence.

"This summer will be one of the most challenging local councils have faced when it comes to bearing down on violent crime and its devastating consequences", he says. "We know what works - prevention, collaboration, sharing of knowledge and resources, asking for help where we need it, adapting quickly when things change and empowering our residents and community partners.

"But London boroughs are not in a position to completely eradicate violent crime on our own - no organisation or individual is. To help councils maximise our impact we need more funding and support, including more clarity on long term funding positions from the Home Office on funds to support long term violence reduction work in London, particularly in prevention and youth services. We also need support and involvement from our residents. They have influence and agency in their communities, so we all stand to benefit when they consider what more they can do to help tackle violence in their neighbourhoods."

London Councils has collated examples of boroughs' work to address serious violence and has published a series of case studies highlighting some of the most effective strategies and initiatives from across the capital.

Following the sad passing of Cllr John Pierce in June, a by-election took place in the Weavers ward in Tower Hamlets last week. The by-election was won by Kabir Ahmed of Aspire. The full election result is available here.

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