“The cross subsidy model just doesn't stack up”

Watch | Campaigners gather from across London for the launch of the report that has proved that estate demolition cannot solve London's housing crisis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gjhIHFd0hA

To discover the findings of the ground-breaking report into the efficacy of cross-subsidy estate regeneration in London, a room packed full of housing campaigners, local residents and legal peers gathered in London’s Pelican House.  

Watch the video

The report reveals just how absurdly ineffective the so-called “affordable” regeneration projects are for providing secure, long-term homes for low-income, working class Londoners. 

To discuss its findings, the author of the report, Dr Joe Penny, Egwolo Ekregbesi from Focus E15 housing campaign and Caitlin Colquhoun from Southwark Law Centre’s Planning Voice spoke on the panel.  

Watch what happened

The report has shown with definitive proof that cross-subsidy regeneration overproduces housing that London needs least and underproduces the types of housing most needed for low-income, working class Londoners: namely Council rents. Not only that, but it also increases rents of council and social housing by an average of more than £80 per week. 

The audience were invited to ask questions and share their experiences. The resounding cry was to focus on campaigning for council rents rather than social rents, as they are the only truly affordable rent levels that provide secure tenancies for residents. Many believe the housing crisis is an affordability issue, rather than am issue with supply. 

Many of the residents present also highlighted that developers have huge financial incentives for demolishing estates rather than refurbishing them.  

Watch the video from the night

Future planning 

We want this evidence to be as useful as possible to help campaigns fight to keep your homes and communities, and to be clear on what type of homes you want and need. 

PILC have been active in supporting local residents and grassroots campaigns to challenge injustice from gentrification for many years. We use the law as a tool to assist, support, and empower communities at the frontline of gentrification. 

We hope that these resources will empower you and your communities to challenge the cross-subsidy narrative with hard facts and the evidence will help you fight to keep your homes and communities.  

Download the guide to the report and learn more at https://www.pilc.org.uk/gentrification-project/what-golden-era/