Richard Blakeway, the Housing Ombudsman, recently spoke at a London Society event where he highlighted the pressing issues surrounding London’s housing crisis. He emphasized that the housing emergency is becoming increasingly urgent, with his office receiving a call for help every 30 seconds. While not all calls are from Londoners, a significant 47% of the casework his team handles comes from the capital.
The demand for housing assistance in London is overwhelming, with staggering statistics revealing the extent of the crisis. For instance, there are over 323,000 households on waiting lists for social housing in London, equivalent to twice the population of Cambridge. In inner London, where the lists are the longest, the average waiting time for a one-bedroom property exceeds three years. Despite a slight increase in social housing stock between 2022 and 2023, the supply is inadequate to meet the growing demand.
Furthermore, more than 6.6% of London homes are overcrowded, and over 400,000 homes in the city fall short of the national Decent Homes Standard. Tenants in housing associations often face substandard living conditions, such as malfunctioning doors, non-functional lifts, and pest infestations. The housing crisis in London encompasses issues of quality, availability, and affordability, affecting residents across all housing tenures.
Blakeway expressed concern over the desensitization of the public to the magnitude of the housing crisis due to the repetitive nature of alarming statistics. Housing associations are under immense pressure due to various factors such as safety standards post-Grenfell, reduced grants, mergers, and challenging market conditions affecting home-building. This has led to a normalization of inadequate responses and a tolerance for unacceptable living conditions.
To put the current housing crisis into perspective, Blakeway referenced historical initiatives like the Royal Commission on the Housing of the Working Classes in 1885, which highlighted the link between housing conditions and public health. Despite past efforts to improve housing standards, London continues to grapple with significant challenges that impact the well-being of its residents.
While London may not resemble the dire housing conditions of the Victorian era, there is a risk of regression if the housing crisis is not addressed effectively. It is crucial to acknowledge the severity of the situation and work towards sustainable solutions to ensure that all Londoners have access to safe, affordable, and decent housing. The housing crisis is a complex issue that requires a concerted effort from policymakers, housing providers, and the community to enact meaningful change and improve the living conditions of residents across the city.
