Morning Briefing: rough sleeping in London hits all-time high

Update: at 3.09pm 01.11.18

This article has been updated with a statement from Ballymore clarifying that L&Q residents have full access to clubhouse facilities in its Royal Wharf scheme and are not restricted from doing so as reported by the Guardian.

In the news

The Guardian carries a story on London’s rough sleepers, as figures from charities show that the number of people sleeping rough in the capital has hit an all-time high.

Statistics show that 3,103 people slept rough in London between July and September 2018, the first time the total has exceeded 3,000 in a three-month period.

The paper also reports allegations that London’s largest housing association, L&Q, will not allow 500 residents on London Living Rent at its Royal Wharf scheme to use the amenities provided for private owners and renters.

Of the 3,400 homes on site 17% are classed as affordable, and one resident of these homes claimed they were being “segregated”.

However since the story ran this morning, developer Ballymore Group issued a statement saying L&Q’s residents at Royal Wharf, regardless of tenure, have full access to the Clubhouse facilities. "This has always been the case and there has been no change in policy," a Ballymore Group spokesperson said.

In an updated response, L&Q said: “Our understanding was that membership to the Clubhouse was not included in our tenancy agreements and we marketed the properties on that basis. We are pleased that Ballymore has clarified that our residents have full access to the Clubhouse when it opens, and that this has always been their intention.”

Meanwhile, The Guardian reports on warnings from Sir Ian Diamond, the chair of the Social Security Advisory Committee, on Universal Credit.

Sir Ian said that the next phase in the roll-out of the new benefits system could push thousands of claimants into hardship or even out of social security altogether.

Monday’s Autumn Budget saw some movement from the chancellor towards alleviating part of Universal Credit’s worst excesses, but the fallout from the budget is still continuing, with the trade press giving their verdict yesterday.

In a comment piece for Architects’ Journal, Shahriar Nasser argues that the housing measures in the budget don’t add up to a coherent programme.

The Independent continued its regular coverage of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry yesterday, reporting that Roy Smith, a survivor of the fire, closed the blinds in his flat to stop his children seeing people jumping from the tower.

Inside Housing reported yesterday that Mr Smith also revealed that the flammable core of Grenfell’s cladding was left exposed when it was installed during the refurbishment of the tower.

Continuing its coverage, the Independent also carries an article describing how Bassem Choucair, while trapped in the burning building, told his sister-in-law he was at work to stop her worrying. Mr Choucair was later killed by the fire.

In an interview with NME, grime artist Stormzy reveals how he felt he had a “responsibility” to represent those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire when he performed at the Brit Awards.

On stage at the Brits last year, Stormzy rapped: “Yo Theresa May, where’s the money for Grenfell? / What? You thought we just forgot about Grenfell? / You criminals, and you got the cheek to call us savages. / You should do some jail time, you should pay some damages, / We should burn your house down and see if you can manage this.”

On social media

Fully support this. Moving forward. Responding to social and market need and being an inclusive & diverse organisation. #BreathOfFreshAir What’s not to like! t.co/ek6iEkQtmz

— Louise Brooke-Smith (@LbsLouise)

Fully support this. Moving forward. Responding to social and market need and being an inclusive & diverse organisation. #BreathOfFreshAir What’s not to like! https://t.co/ek6iEkQtmz

— Louise Brooke-Smith (@LbsLouise) November 1, 2018

What’s on

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry will again hear evidence from the bereaved, survivors and residents of the tower.