Fundamental reform needed to solve London's housing problem

17th April 2014

The Evening Standard talks to Richard Blakeway, the London Deputy Mayor for housing, about tackling the capital’s new homes shortage and doubling the current rate of building from 20,000 to 42,000.

. “Frankly, getting to 42,000 new homes is going to be difficult,” Mr Blakeway says. He explains that to double the number of homes, fundamental reform is needed in three areas: finance, the types of housing on offer; and issues related to land. Mr Blakeway comments: “London built the most homes in the interwar period, in what was called Metro-Land, so we want to rekindle that spirit. We want to make 10 special housing zones across London. We are talking to government about giving tax incentives to developers, talking to boroughs about fast-track planning and even about buying land”.

Source:   Evening Standard (16/04/14)