According to recent statistics, London’s waiting lists for social housing have reached their highest level in a decade.
An analysis of government data conducted by London Councils indicates that as of 2024, there are 336,366 households queued for social housing across the capital’s 32 boroughs. This marks a substantial 32% increase since 2014, surpassing the previous peak recorded in 2013, which stood at 344,294.
In response to these figures, a government representative labeled them as “unacceptable” and asserted that “urgent measures” are being implemented to construct 1.5 million homes across England by 2029.
The statistics reveal that London represents roughly 25% of the total number of households in England awaiting social housing, highlighting a significant issue.
London Councils, which serves the capital’s 32 borough councils and the City of London, has issued a warning about a homelessness crisis, pointing to a severe lack of affordable housing as a primary concern.
Data from this cross-party organization suggests that more than 183,000 residents in London are currently homeless, residing in temporary accommodations provided by their respective local boroughs, which translates to at least one in every 50 Londoners.
A spokesperson for London Councils noted that boroughs are grappling with major financial challenges and obstacles in delivering housing effectively.
Between the years 2023-24 and 2027-28, boroughs are projected to encounter a £700 million shortfall in their social housing finances, largely due to increasing expenses and the prior government-imposed caps on social rent levels.
Additionally, the cost of temporary accommodation has surged by 68% over the past year, with councils now spending £4 million each day on this service.
Grace Williams, a Labour councillor and London Councils’ executive member for housing and regeneration, emphasized that the rising number of individuals on social housing waiting lists highlights the “escalating pressures” facing the capital.
She remarked, “The city is becoming increasingly unaffordable, and as these figures illustrate, there is an urgent necessity for more social housing.”
The spokesperson for London Councils articulated that boroughs are appealing for enhanced financial backing from the government for the social housing sector, stressing the importance of sustainable social rent levels to encourage investment in new properties.
They also advocated for the elimination of the 2011 cap on Local Housing Allowance for temporary accommodations since the current subsidy fails to meet rising costs.
Furthermore, they called on the government to make the recent uptick in Local Housing Allowance rates permanent, with annual adjustments to correspond to market rents and better assist low-income renters.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government responded by stating, “Local government has endured years of short-term decision-making, which is why we have outlined significant steps to aid them in providing the homes we need, including necessary reforms to the Right to Buy scheme and an additional £500 million for the Affordable Homes Programme.”
They added, “Further measures will be communicated in due time.”
