Sadiq Khan oversaw the completion of just 71 new affordable homes in London during the last economic quarter, falling hundreds short of his own target.
The mayor's Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26 (AHP) also only started work on a further 150 properties between April and June, according to new figures released by the Greater London Authority (GLA). The AHP, funded with £4bn of government money and managed by City Hall, was originally meant to deliver 35,000 dwellings across the capital between 2021 and 2026. But the target was cut last year to between 23,900 and 27,200. This amounts to a target of around 1,100 per quarter to hit the lower limit.
Affordable homes are those sold or let through various public and private schemes at 20 per cent below local market value to help individuals who live in the area but may struggle to afford open market prices. In London, the mayor has prioritised homes for social rent, London Living Rent, and shared ownership, which will typically be available at a deeper discount to market prices than 20 per cent.
The Tories have written to housing secretary Angela Rayner, demanding she put the GLA under "special measures", saying the number of affordable homes being built in the capital is "unacceptably low".
This story is from the August 15, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 15, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Besieged Sweeney fights on in face of growing rebellion
As the RFU chief executive’s future hangs in the balance, it is time for radical reform of English rugby’s governing body
'I still love doing stunts. But I've grown older, and wiser'
Michelle Yeoh, star of Everything Everywhere All at Once’ and Wicked’, talks to Louis Chilton about her new Star Trek spin-off Section 31’ and the dangers of playing action heroes
Israeli troops to remain in Lebanon beyond deadline
Benjamin Netanyahu extends target date to leave tomorrow, putting ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah under pressure
Ukraine launches massive drone attack across Russia
Moscow warns risk of major nuclear’ clash is growing
A Washington visit would help PM win over Trump
In public, Downing Street insists Keir Starmer has a good relationship with Donald Trump.
Fresh blow to Chagos deal as UK faces legal challenge
A group of indigenous Chagossian people have instructed lawyers to challenge the controversial Chagos Islands deal, in yet another blow to the government’s beleaguered agreement.
City's January spend is not enough to spark renaissance
Pep Guardiola has three new players by his side and a long four months ahead of him.
Judges in Sara Sharif case will be revealed next week
Court of Appeal bows to media pressure with its ruling
Vandals daub Captain Cook statue before celebrations
A statue of British explorer Captain James Cook in a suburb of Sydney has been vandalised ahead of Australia Day tomorrow, the second such incident in as many years. New South Wales Police said they were investigating.
Power goes out as Britain is battered by 100mph winds
‘Once in a generation’ Storm Eowyn causes travel chaos
