The panel has been established jointly with Trust for London, an independent charity which aims to tackle poverty and inequality in London.
Some 15 organisations from across the voluntary and community sectors will form an independent London housing panel to shape Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s housing policies for the capital.
The panel has been established jointly with Trust for London, an independent charity which aims to tackle poverty and inequality in London. Raji Hunjan, chief executive of anti-poverty charity Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K) will chair the London Housing Panel.
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.”
James Murray, deputy mayor for housing and residential development, added:“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.”
Bharat Mehta, chief executive of Trust for London, said:“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. Thepanel provides voluntary sector organisations with a direct line to those shaping housing policy in the capital.”
Maria Morgan, director of panel member Kineara, 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.”
Khan said that since he became Mayor, his deputy Murray, and senior City Hall officials have regularly met tenants, campaigners and other Londoners to help inform policy on housing issues includingestate regeneration and thegovernment’s recent social housing green paper.
