Lambeth Council’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis in the face of funding cuts and increasing homelessness was reinforced by Deputy Leader Danny Adilypour. Despite the challenges posed by austerity and the cost of living crisis, the council remains dedicated to providing affordable housing to those in need.
In response to the overwhelming demand for council services, Lambeth Council has set out its New Homes Programme, aiming to deliver a minimum of 500 new affordable homes by 2030 on council-owned land. Since 2017, the council and Homes for Lambeth have already delivered 392 homes, with more under construction.
However, there is still a shortage of genuinely affordable homes in Lambeth, with 40,000 households on the social housing waiting list. In addition, concerns about living conditions in council homes, including damp and mould hazards, have been raised. The council is working on addressing these issues through a new housing strategy and a damp and mould charter.
Cllr Adilypour emphasized the need for updates to housing benefit levels to reflect current accommodation costs, which would help reduce overspending. The council is also hoping for increased government funding to alleviate the financial pressures of housing people in temporary accommodation.
As the Government prepares for its budget announcement, Cllr Adilypour remains hopeful for more transparent conversations and positive changes in housing policy. Despite the challenges ahead, the council is committed to finding solutions to the housing crisis and improving the lives of its residents.
