London’s housing crisis has been at tipping point for too long. The 2016 mayoral election was even dubbed a “referendum on housing”. But nearly two years on, why are there still so few genuinely affordable homes being built?
This week, EastLondonLines assesses the full extent of the problem across the EastLondonLines boroughs: Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Croydon and Lewisham. We will look at the story behind the statistics, finding out why the homes that our boroughs need are not being built, how developers avoid meeting affordability targets, and what can be done to solve the issue.
Tune in for the next three days and follow our #HomeTruths hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.
DAY ONE: How many affordable homes have been lost?
- Revealed: over 1700 affordable homes lost to loophole in planning rules: An in-depth look at the loss of affordable housing across the ELL boroughs last year
- Mapping London’s lost homes: Will future developments provide more affordable housing? Find out here on our interactive map
DAY TWO: How are the developers getting away with it?
- Home Truths: Croydon’s struggle to build affordable housing: We investigate why so little affordable housing is being built in Croydon
- The revolving door: The links between local government and developers: We take a look at the lucrative relationships fostered between former councillors and council employees and the planning industry
DAY THREE: The hope
- Meet the Londoners fighting for affordable housing: We speak to three campaigners spearheading housing campaigns
- Are we winning the battle for “affordable” housing?: A detailed analysis of the future of affordable housing
By Emma Snaith, Ella Milburn and Jamie Macwhirter