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Affordable homes shortage: ‘Don’t blame government!’
Westminster named sixth worst in capital on providing housing for poorest
WESTMINSTER was accused this week of failing its poorest residents over the provision of housing.
Figures from the Greater London Authority unmasked it as the sixth-worst borough in London.
The findings, published on Monday, mean Westminster has failed in its pledge to make sure 50 per cent of all new homes built in the capital are affordable.
Housing campaigner and Labour councillor Guthrie McKie said: “This is clear evidence that the failure to build more homes for local people in Westminster has nothing to do with government funding. Westminster continues to allow developers carte blanche on what type of housing should be built in the city.”
He added: “I urge the Mayor of London to use whatever powers he has to ensure that London boroughs like Westminster build homes for those living in overcrowded accommodation and those in temporary accommodation.”
Murad Qureshi, London Assembly Member, said: “The contrast for local residents must now be clear as day. Westminster is failing to address the capital’s housing crisis.
“It will not wash for Westminster to blame the government. Boroughs like Haringey and Barking and Dagenham are well above the 50 per cent target; while Hackney and Lewisham are very close to meeting it.”
Councillor Angela Harvey, lead member for housing, said the government was to blame, pointing to plans to build 600 new affordable homes by 2012.
She said: “Five years ago Westminster received funding for 500 affordable homes but, following central government’s decision to concentrate funding outside inner London, we were only able to provide around 100 last year.
“Our new Community Build scheme will invest around £116 million over the next four to five years to build new homes on under-used sites on existing council estates and improve the environment for families already living here. Westminster City Council aims to build around 600 homes through the initiative by 2012.”
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