Southwark's new, unaffordable council housing

Residents of the Ledbury Estate towers, hoping to move into the new development at nearby Sylvan Grove, recently purchased by Southwark Council face a huge hike in monthly housing costs, including rent, service charges and council tax.

As some tenants pull out of the 'expression of interest' list due to the eye-watering increase in costs they would be burdened with, we examine the breakdown which is causing Southwark's new council housing at council rent, to still be out of reach and unaffordable for many.

Example 1)

A household living in a 2 bedroom property at the Ledbury Estate would face a 25% increase in monthly housing costs by moving into a 2 bedroom property at Sylvan Grove.

Example 2)

A household living in a 3 bedroom property at the Ledbury Estate would face a 28% increase in monthly housing costs by moving into a 3 bedroom property at Sylvan Grove.

Example 3) An overcrowded household, living in a 2 bedroom property at the Ledbury Estate would face a 50% increase in monthly housing costs by moving into a 3 bedroom property at Sylvan Grove (compared to just a 16% increase if they moved into a 3 bedroom property on the Ledbury Estate.)

Example 4) A household living in a 3 bedroom property at the Ledbury Estate would still face an increase of 7% in monthly housing costs by downsizing to a 2 bedroom property on Sylvan Grove.

We are urging Southwark Council to reconsider matching the rents for Ledbury households moving onto Sylvan Grove, in order that residents are not doubly punished for circumstances out of their control. Residents are faced with making a decision on remaining within the local community and living alongside their friends and neighbours and we believe that Southwark Council should enable them to do so, without forcing them to fork out unaffordable rent and council tax prices.

Southwark Labour proudly boast about the number of high quality council homes they've delivered, but are these homes even affordable to those on the lowest incomes who need them? And if they are not, then are these truly council homes? Or are these a new variety under the umbrella of 'affordable' which will divide the community even further?