London Mayor Ken Livingstone has made a firm commitment to his controversial affordable housing targets.
In a letter to Estates Gazette (p62), Livingstone says Tory mayoral candidate Steve Norris is “wrong to pledge to reduce the 50% affordable housing target in my draft London Plan”.
Livingstone said the target was decided as a result of “extensive research into housing needs and what the development industry can sustain”, and that since the target was unveiled more houses had been built.
The confirmation of the target also denies rumours in the national press that the mayor was softening his stance on affordable housing before the start of the London Plan’s examination in public next week.
Much of the detailed guidance for the Plan is still not drawn up.
References: EGi News 28/02/03
