Accelerating affordable housing delivery in the Capital – breakfast roundtable

With Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, joining as a guest speaker, the discussion focused on an ambitious challenge: how can partnerships unlock the delivery of more affordable homes in London?

The conversation came at a pivotal moment, following the recent emergency measures announced by MHCLG and the Mayor of London. Against this backdrop, our discussion focused on unblocking red tape, leveraging current support measures and creating the right partnerships needed to deliver at pace. 

Staying ambitious on affordability and value

Affordability remains a defining concern for every London borough. Attendees highlighted the intense viability pressures currently facing housing delivery and the need to adopt modernised design standards and tenancy models that reflect today’s challenges and expectations. Borough leaders also emphasised the importance of resident-first, placemaking-led regeneration, coupled with a pragmatic approach to viability, recognising that progressing some homes, where appropriate, is preferable to stalled delivery.

Procurement processes were identified as a factor continuing to slow momentum, with delays often adding a year or more. Several attendees proposed exploring greater flexibility in temporary accommodation budgets to enable funding to be reallocated more effectively toward affordable and social housing.

Building partnerships that make a difference 

A clear theme from the morning was the crucial role of long-term, outcome-driven partnerships in achieving London’s housing ambitions. Transparent communication with residents was highlighted as a critical success factor, especially as boroughs face shifting targets and heightened political pressures. Providing clarity, consistency and long-term reassurance remain key to sustainable estate regeneration.

Many boroughs also now prioritise intermediate and key-worker housing, with calls for enhanced GLA support and new Treasury-backed equity mechanisms to accelerate delivery.

Planning strategically for a growing city 

With land availability continuing to tighten in London, attendees agreed on the importance of strategic, future-proof planning. There was strong support for mid-rise development (typically up to six storeys) within 15 minutes of transport hubs, particularly in outer London, where opportunities for growth are significant.

Ongoing assessments of brownfield and greenfield capacity will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future planning environment and guiding boroughs’ long-term housing strategies.

The roundtable sparked a candid and thought-provoking discussion, offering diverse perspectives from borough leaders and industry partners. The collective insight was clear: to unlock the homes Londoners need, the Capital requires greater flexibility, stronger partnerships and targeted policy reform.

Now is the moment for industry and government to work together and turn that ambition into action. At The Hill Group, we remain committed to continuing this dialogue and working closely with sector partners to help accelerate affordable housing delivery for London’s communities.