London Councils' housing 'tests'

London Councils urges six reforms

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London Councils has set out eight policy tests it claims will ensure future housing reforms benefit the capital's citizens.

The tests are outlined in Rethinking Housing , a document launched to influence the government's housing reform green paper, which is expected later this year.
 
The document spells out the challenges facing London's housing market. London remains the least affordable region in the UK with 1.6 million households on social housing waiting lists.
 
But it also points the way forward to developing solutions to these challenges.
 
As well as the eight policy tests, the paper sets out six key reforms that the next government housing green paper should address, including more freedom and flexibilities for local authorities and more effective cross agency working.
 
More targeted help for those who are workless and homeless, better use of the private rented sector and better support for owner occupation. It also calls for more opportunities to house homeless households.
 
London Councils' executive member for housing Jamie Carswell (Lab) said: "The credit crunch is without a doubt the biggest threat facing the housing sector today. But while the threats it poses are very real, the crunch also provides us with an opportunity to rethink our efforts and assumptions, and ensure all Londoners are provided with the homes they need."
 
He said the anticipated housing reform green paper was a unique opportunity to "finish the job" and revitalise London's housing sector, modernising access to housing and encouraging greater economic independence and social mobility.

He added: "Today we have set out the framework through which government can make this happen, and we look forward to discussing with ministers how we can deliver on our shared ambitions."