The Housing and Planning Bill aims to expand the proportion of households that own their home, increase housing supply and reshape the social housing sector to increase low cost home ownership options. It is welcome that the government shares our ambition to increase the supply of homes – London needs a minimum of 50,000 new homes each year and current building rates are supplying only around half that number. 

The capital relies on suitable accommodation being available to low paid workers who are essential to the city’s thriving economy. While the government’s willingness to give them the opportunity to own a home is admirable, there are concerns that the Bill may limit boroughs’ ability to deliver the number and variety of homes needed. Ultimately, London needs more power to manage its unique housing situation.