New data highlights the severity of the housing crisis in London, as the capital battles the ‘most severe housing and homelessness crisis in the country.’
The number of households waiting for social housing in London has soared to its highest level in over a decade, according to newly released figures.
As of April 1, 2024, a staggering 336,366 households were on council or housing association waiting lists across the capital. This represents the highest total since 2013, when 344,294 households were recorded. The numbers have risen annually since 2018, underscoring the worsening housing crisis.
Social housing includes council homes and housing association properties, with rents tied to local incomes. Councils allocate housing based on urgency, prioritising those in greatest need.
The latest data highlights the significant challenge facing the Labour Government, which has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
Boroughs under pressure
Nearly a quarter of households on London’s waiting lists were concentrated in two boroughs: Newham and Lambeth. Newham recorded the highest number with 38,417 households, closely followed by Lambeth at 38,131. By contrast, the smallest waiting lists were in the City of London, with just 1,072 households, and Bexley, with 1,479.
Grace Williams, executive member for housing at London Councils and leader of Waltham Forest Council, described the situation as critical. “London is grappling with the most severe housing and homelessness crisis in the country. The capital is becoming increasingly unaffordable, and as these numbers demonstrate, there is a desperate need for more social housing.
“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.”
Despite housing just 16% of England’s population, Greater London accounts for 25% of all households waiting for social housing across the country.
Regional comparison
Outside of London, the region with the second-largest waiting list was North West England, which includes Manchester and Liverpool, with 207,173 households. The North East, the least populated region in England, recorded the smallest waiting list at 68,183 households.
Funding shortfall and financial struggles
Ms Williams also highlighted the financial strain on boroughs, revealing a £700m shortfall in social housing budgets between 2023-24 and 2027-28. This is attributed to rising costs and the previous Conservative Government’s cap on social rent levels.
“Boroughs are determined to turn the situation around,” she said. “We are strongly pro-housing growth and as committed as ever to working with the government to turbocharge housebuilding in the capital. However, the social housing sector urgently needs financial support. Future social rent levels must sustain boroughs’ budgets and enable investment in new homes.”
Government response
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government acknowledged the severity of the crisis. A spokeswoman described the figures as “unacceptable” and outlined the Government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
“We are taking urgent action to change this as part of our Plan for Change, building 1.5 million homes this Parliament and delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation,” she said.
The Government also highlighted measures such as reforms to the Right to Buy scheme and an additional £500 million for the Affordable Homes Programme, with further initiatives to be announced soon.
Looking ahead
The latest statistics serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing housing crisis in London. While boroughs remain committed to addressing the challenges, the growing waiting lists highlight the need for urgent action and greater collaboration between local and national governments.
Without immediate intervention, the capital’s housing and homelessness crisis risks deepening further, leaving tens of thousands of families in precarious living situations.
