The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the 15 leading organisations from across the voluntary and community sectors which will form the new independent London Housing Panel and help shape his housing policies for the capital.
Since Sadiq became Mayor, his Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, James Murray, and senior City Hall officials have regularly met tenants, campaigners and other Londoners to help inform policy on housing issues including estate regeneration and the Government’s recent social housing green paper.
The new London Housing Panel builds on this work by bringing together the organisations to advise the Mayor’s team in developing housing policies. The panel has been established jointly with Trust for London, an independent charity which aims to tackle poverty and inequality in London.
The newly-appointed Chair of the Panel – Raji Hunjan, CEO of anti-poverty charity Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K) – will also join the Mayor’s Homes for Londoners Board, to ensure the Panel’s views are represented.
Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, James Murray, said:“Over the last three years, our housing policies have benefited greatly from having involved tenants, campaigners and other Londoners in developing them.
“We look forward to continuing this approach through the new London Housing Panel and making sure our housing policies are always developed with the input of Londoners themselves.”
Chair of the London Housing Panel, Raji Hunjan, said: “The 15 organisations represented on this panel work to empower communities and individuals who have faced unacceptable housing problems which include poor conditions, discrimination and unaffordable rent.
“As Chair, I am looking forward to using our collective knowledge and diversity of expertise to influence the Mayor’s housing policies. All Londoners should benefit from more housing stability, despite their income or their circumstances.”
Chief Executive of Trust for London, Bharat Mehta, said:“Housing is an issue for millions of Londoners. In fact, the cost of housing is the main thing trapping one in eight Londoners in poverty.
“More needs to be done to ensure that Londoners have affordable homes that are safe and secure. That is why we have worked with the Mayor to set up the independent London Housing Panel. The Panel provides voluntary sector organisations with a direct line to those shaping housing policy in the capital.
“We are delighted that the Chair and Panel Members bring such a breadth and depth of voices and experience. We look forward to their involvement in tackling the housing issues faced by Londoners.”
Director of panel member Kineara, Maria Morgan, said: “We are very excited to be part of this important new initiative, which brings community representation into housing policy decision making. We look forward to working with the London Housing Panel and the Mayor towards inclusive housing policies for all Londoners.”