London Councils has announced that a new survey shows that the cost-of-living crisis is increasing pressure on those who live in the city.
2023’s Survey of Londoners has found that 75% of the adults living in London believe that the most important issue in the capital is the cost-of-living crisis, with housing affordability being the second biggest issue. This comes as London Councils’ figures show that one in 50 Londoners are currently homeless and living in temporary accommodation, with this including one in 23 children.
Alongside these concerns, the survey identified that rent and mortgage payments have increased for 71% of residents, whilst 29% have highlighted a struggle to manage financially. According to London Councils, this group is also more likely to include women, renters, and people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
These findings have led London Councils to issue a call to the government to ensure that boroughs have the power and funding that is necessary to address the challenges highlighted in the report. Tomorrow marks the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, and councils across London will be hoping for support from the government to ensure that communities can be supported.
Acting Chair of London Councils Cllr Claire Holland said:
“Our research shows that the majority of Londoners have little room to breathe financially, largely due to soaring housing costs. It is striking that London’s housing affordability crisis is now affecting all sectors of society.
“On top of this, one in 50 Londoners is homeless and living in temporary accommodation. This figure includes one in 23 children – one in every classroom.
“In the face of this serious challenge for our city, which has only intensified following the pandemic and the economic shock of last Autumn, London boroughs are providing a vital safety net for our most vulnerable residents. But given the scale of the problem, fundamental change is needed to ensure Londoners have the homes and financial resilience needed to thrive.”
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