Members of the London Housing Board have called on their colleagues to “seize the moment to be as bold as we can” ahead of today’s publication of the capital’s draft housing strategy for 2005.

The Greater London Authority and Steve Douglas, the Housing Corporation’s London director, feel that this strategy, unlike the 2003 version, will need to focus on certain areas in order to be successful.

Douglas said: “With previous strategies, we have tiptoed around issues. [This time] we need to seize the moment to be as bold as we can be around the numbers [of homes] that can be achieved and the quality that can be delivered.

“We have previously attempted to balance our priorities – including decent homes and increasing new housing supply – but there is an argument that says you can’t do everything.

“In order to be successful, we will need to concentrate on certain areas.”

We agree that the strategy should be bolder and will be working with partners to achieve that

GLA spokesman

He declined to be drawn on which areas would receive the bulk of the board’s £1bn annual budget.

A GLA spokesman said: “We agree that the strategy should be bolder and will be working with partners to achieve that.”

The GLA and Housing Corporation both hold seats on the 11-strong board. The London regional housing strategy will be put out for consultation and the final strategy will be published next May.

Source

Housing Today