Brent Council Raises Alarm Over Emergency Housing Measures
A Labour-controlled council in North London has issued a stark warning against proposed emergency housing measures from the Government and Mayor of London, arguing they risk exacerbating the borough's housing and infrastructure challenges rather than solving them.
Council Fears Disproportionate Impact on Brent
Brent Council has formally responded to a consultation on plans intended to accelerate housebuilding across the capital, expressing deep concern that the measures will have a disproportionate negative impact on the borough. The council warns that the proposals could stifle development while removing vital investment in essential local services.
Councillor Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property, stated: "Brent currently has 2,054 households living in temporary accommodation, and tens of thousands of residents on our housing register who will face waiting decades for an affordable home." He emphasised that lowering affordable housing targets and cutting infrastructure levies would undermine community support systems.
Overview of the Proposed Emergency Measures
The Government, in collaboration with Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, has put forward a package of time-limited measures designed to stimulate construction activity. Key proposals include:
- Granting the Mayor authority to review and call in housing schemes of 50 or more units where local councils are inclined to refuse permission.
- Providing City Hall with decision-making power over developments exceeding 1,000 square metres on green belt land.
- Reducing the affordable housing requirement on new developments from 35% to 20%.
- Offering reductions in the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for projects delivering at least 20% affordable housing, with extra relief for higher percentages.
These measures are intended to shorten planning processes by up to six months and apply to schemes commencing before December 31, 2028. Sir Sadiq Khan described the situation as a "perfect storm" for housebuilding, citing high interest rates, construction costs, pandemic aftermath, and Brexit impacts.
Understanding the Affordable Housing Target and CIL Changes
Affordable housing refers to homes offered at below-market rates for rent or sale to households unable to access the open market. The proposed reduction from 35% to 20% marks a significant shift from earlier targets, which initially aimed for over 50% affordability.
The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge on new developments, used to fund local infrastructure such as schools, transport networks, and medical facilities. The proposed reliefs aim to incentivise developers but have raised concerns about funding shortfalls.
Brent Council's Specific Concerns and Calls for Rethink
While supporting the need to boost housebuilding, Brent Council argues the current proposals "risk doing the opposite" in boroughs like Brent. Key concerns include:
- A potential reduction in the delivery of affordable homes, worsening an already critical shortage.
- Significant cuts to CIL funding, which the council relies on to support growing communities.
- A disproportionate financial impact on Brent due to its high pipeline of housing projects and greater demand compared to other areas.
The council fears losing more infrastructure funding than other localities, jeopardising projects like the West London Orbital transport scheme and public realm improvements. It is urging a comprehensive rethink of the policies to ensure housebuilding increases without compromising affordability or essential community funding.
The consultation period concluded on January 22, with outcomes expected to be announced in the coming weeks and months, as stakeholders await the Government's final decision on these contentious measures.
