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'Slimmer, Fitter' London Housing Strategy Praised By BPF

The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed the mayor of London’s £5bn investment package for the capital’s housing market over the next three years.

British Property Federation director for residential policy, Ian Fletcher, said:

“It is worth remembering that while credit may have dried up, the problems many Londoners have in finding affordable accommodation have not. Some will scoff at the Mayor sticking to the target of delivering 50,000 affordable homes in the current economic climate. It will be challenging, but the alternative does not bear contemplating.

“The new strategy is slimmer, but fitter for the current economic conditions. The Mayor has rightly focused on a few key priorities, where the greatest difference can be made. We very much welcome the focus on the important role the private rented sector is playing in housing Londoners, with one in five households in the capital now accommodated in the sector.

“We share the Mayor’s ambition to have a quality sector and are particularly pleased to have the Mayor’s support for expanding institutional investment in the sector and look forward to working with him and the Assembly to further explore how we can make that a reality. The emphasis on helping local authorities expand accreditation and discharge their duties in enforcing housing standards are also welcome.

“The key factors in the Mayor’s success will be flexibility, innovation, and a strong working relationship with key partners such as the new Homes and Communities Agency. We hope local, regional and national Government will put aside party political differences and work together to at least make a dint in the desperate need for accommodation in our capital.”



For more info or interviews contact the British Property Federation

Maddie Williams – 020 7802 0364 / mwilliams@bpf.org.uk
Andrew Teacher (broadcast/nationals) – 07968 124545 / ateacher@bpf.org.uk