'His record is appalling!' Sadiq Khan scolded for 'poor execution' of housebuilding efforts amid cost of living crisis

A leading Tory Peer has hit out at Sir Sadiq Khan's "appalling record" on housebuilding for Londoners amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Speaking to GB News at the Arc Conference, Lord Matthew Elliott criticised the London Mayor for his "poor execution" and "very little planning" in building more affordable housing.

In March this year, the Housing Secretary and Sir Sadiq confirmed "emergency measures" to accelerate housebuilding in the capital.

The plans included the expanding of the Mayor’s powers to call in and review planning applications for 50 homes or more where a borough is minded to refuse.

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The emergency measures sought to "unblock dozens of stalled sites" and build "thousands more affordable homes" for Londoners.

Discussing the Government's efforts, Lord Elliott told GB News: "We haven't been building houses, and Sadiq Khan has had an appalling record on this.

"The Government came in with a very good programme, wanting to have 1.5million new homes, but without the actual detailed policy behind it to liberalise planning certain areas, perhaps set certain areas aside for new model homes, for example, and model towns."

He criticised the lack of funding and infrastructure put into the plans to build such a vast amount of housing.

He said: "The infrastructure money in there as well, that could have all been done.

"But as we saw with many other areas of Keir Starmer's Government, very little planning ahead of time and very poor execution."

Analysing the lack of accessibility to property amongst the young British people, host Alex Armstrong questioned whether we are "heading to sort of a stagflation for our young people in Britain".

Lord Elliott agreed, explaining: "Well, there's a big picture point. This is the first generation where young people aren't richer than their parents, that's historically never happened before.

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"We used to have economic growth underlying that, so that's a big picture point. We need to get growth going, otherwise we're falling behind. We're certainly seeing that with young people."

He continued: "You mentioned house building, lack of jobs, university tuition fees is a big one as well, and then of course Covid really hit them.

"Whether they're at school, having to learn from home or at university, rather than socialising with people and getting no other people studying from there from their small bedrooms and on zoom and that sort of thing, they've really been let down.

"I actually think politicians of all parties should be thinking, how can we give that generation a break?"

Sir Sadiq has previously said in a statement: "Building more social and affordable homes is a top priority and I’m taking the tough decisions to get these much-needed homes built, including working closely with Government to finalise this temporary emergency package which will unlock stalled sites across London.

"We’ve listened closely to the views of house builders, housing associations, councils and Londoners and the bold new measures respond to many of their concerns.

"We're ensuring we prioritise getting as many affordable homes built as possible and address the unique challenges London is facing.

"I make no apology for wanting to see more action to deliver new homes and will continue to work with Government to accelerate housebuilding, tackling the building safety regulator backlog and supporting new schemes as we build a fairer and better capital for all."

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