London’s social housing system has been criticised as ‘opaque, confusing and unfair’, in a new report by the London Assembly Housing Committee.
The study highlights how complex rules and inconsistent practices across boroughs are preventing many residents from accessing much-needed homes.
With more than 341,000 households currently on waiting lists, only a fraction are housed each year. While the overall shortage of social housing remains the central issue, the report finds the allocation process itself is worsening inequality.
In some areas, families needing larger homes face waiting times of up to 33 years, the committee found.
Applicants described the system as distressing and difficult to navigate, with Disabled people and domestic abuse survivors facing particular barriers.
Policies such as disqualification over debt, alongside poor coordination between councils and housing associations, were also criticised.
Committee Chair Zoë Garbett said urgent reform is needed to make the system fairer, clearer and more humane.
Chair of the London Assembly Housing Committee, Zoë Garbett AM, said: ‘We heard from Londoners facing years of uncertainty, poor communication, and decisions that simply don’t make sense.
‘When people cannot access housing because the process is too complex or the rules are too harsh, the system is not working as it should and fails those who need it most. While we urgently need more social housing, there is also clear scope to make the system we have more transparent, consistent, and humane.’
