‘Extra bold motion wanted’ as London Councils highlights homelessness considerations in response to Funds 2023

Responding to the Funds, London Councils has warned “extra bold motion” can be wanted to sort out the capital’s worsening homelessness disaster.

Within the face of on-going cost-of-living pressures and rising homelessness numbers, boroughs had urged the Chancellor to lift Native Housing Allowance charges to help low-income households pay their lease and keep away from homelessness.

Boroughs had additionally hoped to see extra measures to assist improve supply of reasonably priced housing. Specifically, boroughs are searching for an finish to the Treasury’s restrictions over Proper to Purchase gross sales receipts, arguing that full flexibility would guarantee each penny raised from council home gross sales might be reinvested in constructing substitute properties.

Figures launched immediately by London Councils present one in 23 kids within the capital are homeless. London Councils estimates there to be 166,000 homeless Londoners – together with 81,000 kids – residing in non permanent lodging organized by their native borough.

In response to London Councils’ evaluation, boroughs within the capital have to make round £100m of financial savings of their budgets this 12 months, which they warn dangers undermining their skill to sort out homelessness, promote inclusive financial development, assist ship internet zero, and different key priorities for Londoners.

With the Funds confirming 12 new funding zones all exterior London and new devolution offers for Higher Manchester and the West Midlands together with medium-term funding settlements, London Councils has reiterated that bolder devolution can also be required within the capital.

Boroughs need extra decision-making powers and assets to be devolved to them as they’re closest to native communities, arguing that is important for addressing London’s immense social and financial challenges with progressive options.

Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils, stated, “Extra bold motion continues to be wanted for tackling the worsening homelessness disaster.

“Our newest figures present at the least one youngster in each classroom in London is homeless. There are 81,000 kids in non permanent lodging throughout the capital, worrying about the place their household goes to reside.

“We had hoped to see the Chancellor announce an increase within the Native Housing Allowance, which might go a protracted method to making housing extra reasonably priced for low-income Londoners. We additionally want rather more help for constructing the reasonably priced properties that our communities desperately want.

“Additional devolution to the capital is important. Boroughs could be in a a lot better place to sort out a lot of London’s longstanding challenges if we may take the lead on coverage choices and direct assets for investing in companies.

“Boroughs stay as dedicated as ever to working with the federal government on these points and in securing a fairer, extra affluent, and extra sustainable future for London that delivers for our residents and for the UK financial system.”