13 Nov 2013, 4:02 pm
The GLA said that, to meet the target of building 55,000 affordable homes by March 2015, another 5,000 new-build homes will need to be started in the next 4.5 months. The GLA had stated in June that around 9,000 new-builds would be needed by the autumn to meet the target, however, only 3,000 starts been confirmed by the end of September.
“The chance of the Mayor meeting his affordable homes target of 55,000 homes by March 2015 is looking increasingly vulnerable as the months march by with little progress made on the number of homes actually started," said housing committee chair Darren Johnson in a statement.
“London is facing a housing crisis with demand outstripping supply. Over the next few months, we need a rapid increase in the number of homes started on site. The committee needs to see real evidence that the Mayor can still meet his pledge to build 55,000 affordable homes that are vital for Londoners.”
The GLA's executive director for housing David Lunts confirmed that building new affordable homes takes at least 12 months and that the average time from start to completion is 18 months.
