Recession is blamed for delay in creating 50,000 affordable homes

London Mayor Boris Johnson will miss a target of creating 50,000 affordable homes in the capital by 2011 due to the recession.

But Sir Simon Milton, deputy mayor for policy and planning, told the London Assembly’s planning and housing committee yesterday that Johnson was “confident” he would now achieve the target by 2012.

He said the homes would be both new builds and acquired properties.

Jenny Jones AM, chair of the London Assembly planning and housing committee, said: “We welcome today’s confirmation that the 50,000 affordable homes target will be met, but we regret the delay.

"The mayor must do his utmost to ensure this important target will not be affected by any further delays.”

The committee will examine the delivery of the mayor’s housing strategy – and his 50,000 affordable homes target – in more detail at a meeting on 16 March 2010.

Topics