LONDON mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan has pledged to build 6,000 new affordable homes with capped rents linked to keyworker incomes.
Khan also called for a revolution in renters’ rights, with far-reaching reforms to improve the position of those renting their home in the city.
He proposed a new funding of up to £4 million for a London licensing hub to support boroughs to take action to support renters and a new investment to back renters to defend their rights.
The Labour candidate also promised to take action to hold landlords to account on housing standards, including freezing of any funding they receive from City Hall when high standards are not met.
Khan said, “I’ve been calling for the power to freeze rents in the capital for years, but the government has refused. I’m not willing to stand by and do nothing so I commit to delivering new rent control homes across London, with 6,000 in the first phase. These will be homes for rent which key workers and middle-income Londoners can afford.
“This election is a close two-horse race and the choice is clear – someone who will introduce rent control homes and stand up for renters, or the Tory candidate for mayor who has been virtually silent on renters’ issues and stands with the Tories on the side of the landlord lobby."
He claimed that he will be renters’ champion in City Hall, if re-elected.
London mayoral election will be held on 2 May. It will take place simultaneously with elections to the London assembly, some local council by-elections in London and regular local elections elsewhere in England and Wales.
Khan, who has served as the mayor of the capital since 2016, is seeking re-election. The Tories are standing former London assembly leader Susan Hall as their candidate, the Green party nominated Hackney borough councillor Zoë Garbett.
Apsana Begum
