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Khan pauses regeneration funding until ballots are introduced

Sadiq Khan has announced a pause on funding for estate regeneration schemes until the details of his resident ballots policy have been finalised.

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Sadiq Khan at the London Housing Strategy launch in September 2017 (Picture: GLA)
Sadiq Khan at the London Housing Strategy launch in September 2017 (Picture: GLA)

Mr Khan was responding to a question from Sian Berry, the leader of the Green Party in the London Assembly.

The mayor of London’s policy to require resident ballots for estate regeneration schemes that receive funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) is out for consultation until 3 April.

There has been some confusion over what measures apply in the interim period, and Mr Khan sought to clear up some of this confusion in the session on Thursday.


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The mayor said: “I can confirm that no GLA funding contracts for new estate regeneration schemes will be signed until after the consultation has closed and the precise details of the funding condition have been finalised and published.”

Mr Khan also confirmed that he has no power to enforce ballots on any schemes that have already received funding, even if planning permission has not yet been awarded. The requirement for a ballot can only be included in the funding contract signed between the developer and the GLA.

This would confirm the views of Barnet Council, Lambeth Council and Peabody, who told Inside Housing they do not believe that their ongoing schemes will have to involve resident ballots.

Ms Berry also revealed at the session that she had commissioned a survey from polling company You Gov. The firm asked a representative sample of Londoners whether they agreed with the mayor’s policy and found that 64% agreed, with only 13% opposed.

The sector has been split on Mr Khan’s proposals, originally suggested by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, since they were announced in February.

Paul Hackett, the chair of the G15 group representing London’s largest housing associations, said the policy will have a “significant effect” on estate regeneration.

Sir Bob Kerslake, chair of Peabody, and Tony Pidgley, founder of Berkeley, however, came out strongly in favour of ballots in an interview with Inside Housing last week.

Sir Bob said: “Properly done, a ballot can establish a position of support for the community and we shouldn’t be shy of that. It’s hard to argue why local residents shouldn’t have engagement in the final outcome.”

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