New data from London Councils has revealed that London boroughs have identified sites to build over 50,000 new council homes if sufficient funding is available.

The number represents an almost 15 per cent increase to London’s council housing stock.

The figures come from London Councils' London Social and Affordable Homes Programme (LSAHP) survey.

The analysis found that boroughs' submissions to the LSAHP represent a pipeline of over 50,000 new council homes in London over the next ten years. London boroughs currently own and operate around 390,000 council homes. The pipeline would therefore increase the number of council homes in London by almost 15 per cent.

To unlock this pipeline, the submissions would require £12.3 billion in grant funding. The LSAHP is currently set to receive £11.7 billion from 2026 to 2036, with boroughs’ allocations to be confirmed by the GLA shortly.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Homelessness, said: “These figures demonstrate boroughs’ ambitious commitment to building the next generation of council housing across the capital.

“London is grappling with the most severe housing and homelessness emergency in the country. Boosting the number of council homes is a key part of tackling this crisis – and London boroughs have a proud track record of delivery in recent years.

“Boroughs want to build more. We have identified a pipeline of over 50,000 new council homes we could deliver in the coming years. These are specific development opportunities where we are seeking funding for new council housing.

“We have the expertise, we have the vision, we have the determination – we now need the investment to make it happen.”