Six in every 10 new affordable homes built in Westminster must be for middle-income families, the council has announced.
The majority of homes in the borough are out of reach for average earners with just 1.5% of homes classed as ‘intermediate’, the council says.
‘Intermediate’ homes are those that are at least 20% below market rent.
Westminster City Council insists that the emphasis placed on social housing by councils across London leaves most average earners unable to find a place to live.
‘We’re proud that one in four of our homes are social housing, but as a city for all we’re determined to create homes for our residents, especially average earners and middle income families,’ said Cllr Richard Beddoe, cabinet member for planning and public realm.
The council has set out its ambition to build 1,495 new homes every year and currently 25% of Westminster homes are social housing.
The change in emphasis to focus on intermediate housing will ensure Westminster provides homes for a cross section of the community, ‘not simply the richest and poorest,’ a council statement said.
‘We’ve laid down the gauntlet for developers by introducing less restrictive rules. Now they need to do their bit and provide the homes for the working families who keep our city moving,’ said Cllr Beddoe.
‘Providing social housing remains a priority but the lack of intermediate homes must be addressed.’
