London’s social housing waiting lists have reached a 10 year high.
336,366 households were on London authority waiting lists for social housing in 2024 across boroughs, according to government data.
London accounts for 25% of the England’s overall social housing waiting list.
London Councils, a cross-party group which analysed the data, warned the capital is facing a “homelessness emergency.”
The number of homeless people in London tripled over a decade, according to the 2021/22 census.
London not only has the highest rent of any region in the UK, but also the highest rent inflation, at 11.6% in 2024.
London Councils warn that councils are facing a £700m “black hole” in their budgets over the 2023-24 and 2027-28 period.
But local authorities across the country are saying they are facing similar increased pressure on their budgets.
The Local Government Association say increased pressures and demand for services coupled with rising inflation have created a “perfect storm.”
Birmingham, Nottingham and Woking councils have all issued Section 114 notices, effectively declaring bankruptcy, in recent years.
London councils collectively spend £4 million every day on temporary accommodation, a 68% increase in the last year.
Councillor Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, said: “The growing number of Londoners stuck on waiting lists for social housing is the latest evidence of spiralling pressures in the capital.
“Boroughs are doing everything we can to build the affordable homes our communities are crying out for.
“However, we are also struggling with enormous resource constraints and immense challenges to housing delivery in London.”
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HeadlineLondon social housing waiting lists reach 10 year high
Short HeadlineLondon social housing waiting lists reach decade high
StandfirstBoroughs say this is symptomatic of 'spiralling pressures'
London’s social housing waiting lists have reached a 10 year high.
336,366 households were on London authority waiting lists for social housing in 2024 across boroughs, according to government data.
London accounts for 25% of the England’s overall social housing waiting list.
London Councils, a cross-party group which analysed the data, warned the capital is facing a “homelessness emergency.”
The number of homeless people in London tripled over a decade, according to the 2021/22 census.
London not only has the highest rent of any region in the UK, but also the highest rent inflation, at 11.6% in 2024.
London Councils warn that councils are facing a £700m “black hole” in their budgets over the 2023-24 and 2027-28 period.
But local authorities across the country are saying they are facing similar increased pressure on their budgets.
The Local Government Association say increased pressures and demand for services coupled with rising inflation have created a “perfect storm.”
Birmingham, Nottingham and Woking councils have all issued Section 114 notices, effectively declaring bankruptcy, in recent years.
London councils collectively spend £4 million every day on temporary accommodation, a 68% increase in the last year.
Councillor Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, said: “The growing number of Londoners stuck on waiting lists for social housing is the latest evidence of spiralling pressures in the capital.
“Boroughs are doing everything we can to build the affordable homes our communities are crying out for.
“However, we are also struggling with enormous resource constraints and immense challenges to housing delivery in London.”
