Low-cost homes pledged

17 March 2008

Housing is becoming a hot topic in London's mayoral race, with both Mr Johnson and Labour candidate Ken Livingston pledging 50,000 new affordable homes over the next three years.

At the launch of his housing and planning manifesto today, Mr Johnson announced a budget of £130m to help low-paid Londoners get on the housing ladder.

He also promised to bring more than 84,000 empty homes back into use, echoing Mr Livingstone's commitment to reduce empty properties.

Speaking at the launch, Boris Johnson said: 'Affordable housing must be more than 'decent', it must be desirable.'

Shelter chief executive Adam Sampson welcomed the fact that affordable housing was a Conservative manifesto priority, but went on to say:

'Despite his commitment to build 50,000 more affordable homes in the next three years, he has failed to set a target for social rented housing.

'With almost 57,000 homeless households in temporary accommodation in London it is vital that more homes are promised for those who need them most.

'If Mr. Johnson wins the election one of the major tasks he will face is ensuring that all London's local authorities deliver the homes he has promised.'