1. The Mayor and Housing
Tony Travers
LSE

2. The creation of the GLA
The GLA was created in 2000, re-creating metropolitan government for London
The GLC’s demise had resulted (in part) from outer boroughs’ reactions to GLC housing policy
The Blair government was thus cautious about giving the GLA housing powers, other than land-use responsibilities

3. Housing, the GLC and the government’s approach to the GLA
Source: London’s Boroughs
At 50, Travers, 2015

4. 1999 Act: explicit prohibition of expenditure on housing

5. London Plan, 2004 - 1 - Mayor sets targets, densities etc for housing

6. London Plan, 2004 - 2 Table 3A.1 Provision for additional ‘homes’ targets, 1997-2016

7. Policy moves on…
By 2007, the government had developed more confidence in the GLA
Moreover, the city’s population was rising fast
Recognition of a growing need for mayoral action to deliver higher housing numbers, also more power over regeneration schemes

8. 2007: additional housing powers

9. 2011: further housing powers

10. 2016

11. Looking ahead Population and employment growth continue…
The 2016 mayoral election saw all major candidates committed to more, and more affordable, housing
Will the Mayor now seek additional powers to intervene in planning decisions?
How will the boroughs respond to demands for significantly higher housing delivery?
Will the government be willing to grant additional powers to the mayor to intervene and drive through housing development?
How to sustain a consensus while changing behaviour?

12. The Mayor and Housing
Tony Travers
LSE