London,
28
January
2016
|
16:56
Europe/London

Letter to Financial Times: Affordable housing is key to London's competitiveness

[REF: UK steps up housebuilding and nears key target, Judith Evans, FT, January 28 2016]

London’s competiveness is hinged on its ability to attract and retain a workforce with a broad range of skills.

That is what makes our economy a global success and a hub for innovation.

Many City businesses feel that unaffordable housing is damaging London’s competitiveness as a place to locate.

We must tackle the supply-side problems in our housing market to ensure that the best international talent want to come here.

That’s why we have committed to building 3,700 new homes across London by 2025.

A 7 per cent rise in UK house building is welcome news. But there is still some way to go before the Government is building the levels of new homes required to solve the capital’s housing crisis.

Mark Boleat
Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee
City of London Corporation, EC2V 7HH