HOUSING
New homes, new hope More new affordable homes are being built in Brent than anywhere else in the capital for the second year running
D
espite the coronavirus lockdown, the council has continued with its housebuilding programme with excited tenants moving in to their new homes over the summer. Nearly 700 new council homes are currently being built in Brent with another 913 in the pipeline. Brent aims to make 5,000 new affordable homes available over five-years – 1,000 of these through its own council building programme. The council is spending £300 million on the new homes alongside a £95 million grant from the Greater London Authority. Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, said: “There has always been a demand for social housing, but COVID-19 has shone a light on the importance of suitable housing conditions and the impact on people’s health. It is very hard to
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socially distance when you share the only room you can afford with many others. “Reducing overcrowding and building larger family homes are priorities for us. I’m immensely proud to build on our existing record of leading the way in London for the number of new council homes built each year but we are not complacent.” Residents moved into their brand new council homes in Ellerslie Gardens, Willesden earlier this summer. New resident Mrs Chitate was concerned that the pandemic would delay her move but she was able to move in on time after the council’s housing team moved quickly to carry out the necessary safety checks. “I was actively bidding for 17 years and praying for a permanent home,” says Mrs Chitate. “I am so happy with our new place and it’s ideal as it’s only 10 minutes away from my kids’ school. We have a feeling of security, and have been able to stay near our community and support system.”
