Shelter comments on building enough affordable homes following the dreadful Grenfell tragedy

July 19, 2017

The council that ran the Grenfell Tower block struck deals worth nearly £50m last year to allow developers to avoid having to build affordable homes, research for BBC News shows. Read the report in full. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40643072

Shelter comments on what they think needs to happen to address this problem in Kensington and beyond.

Anne Baxendale, director of policy and campaigns at Shelter, said: “The continuing struggle to rehouse people in Kensington & Chelsea following the dreadful Grenfell tragedy has exposed the dire shortage of social homes. But in spite of the desperate need, it remains astonishingly easy for developers and councils to wriggle out of building enough affordable homes.

“Instead of treating affordable housing commitments as flimsy ‘nice to haves’, the government should step in to make sure they are respected as cast-iron, non-negotiable pledges. And if councils accept huge sums from developers in lieu of the homes promised, they must act quickly to either build the homes themselves, or pay someone else to do it.

“If we want to eradicate this problem for good, we need a new system of housebuilding capable of delivering high-quality homes that people on lower incomes can actually afford to live in.”

Shelter housing charity.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Letting Agent Talk

7 Ways Self Storage Supports Business Growth in 2025

As businesses face increasing challenges in managing costs, scaling operations, and adapting to changing markets, self storage has emerged as an indispensable tool for success. Whether you’re a small startup or an established multinational company, self storage offers a practical, affordable, and secure way to handle the demands of modern business. As businesses grow, they…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

How much would Bridget Jones’ iconic London apartment cost today?

How much would Bridget Jones’ iconic London apartment cost today? A new study has revealed that the average price to purchaseBridget Jones’ iconic London apartment in the Borough Market area is now £415,090. The study calculated that this is a price increase of 182% since the first film premiered in 2001. The research obtained data…
Read More →
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove House Price Index: Record number of sellers in promising start to 2025, but uncertainties ahead

The average price of property coming to market rises by 1.7% (+£5,992) this month to £366,189, the largest jump in prices at the start of the year since 2020: New seller asking prices are still nearly £9,000 below May 2024’s record, reflecting buyer affordability constraints A record number of early-bird new sellers have come to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Zoopla identifies housing markets with best prospects for house price growth in 2025

New analysis from Zoopla, one of the UK’s leading property websites, reveals that housing markets in Scotland and Northern England have the best prospects for house price growth in 2025, as Southern England continues to adjust to the impact of higher mortgage rates. Housing markets in Scotland and Northern England have the best prospects for…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Shared Ownership vs. Traditional Mortgages: What’s the Difference?

Buying a property in Guildford is a significant decision, and choosing the right method of ownership is crucial. Two popular options available to buyers are shared ownership and traditional mortgages. Understanding their differences can help you decide which suits your financial situation and property aspirations. What Is Shared Ownership? Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rightmove’s weekly mortgage tracker – 16/01/25

Average mortgage rates drop despite mixed economic news   Commenting on the drop in average rates this week, Rightmove’s mortgage expert Matt Smith says: “Despite all of the economic news we’ve had this week, average rates have fallen. It shows that despite the challenges affecting the mortgage market at the moment, lenders are keen to…
Read More →