Key facts

The social and economic context
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South-west London has a strong local economy and social infrastructure. It is an attractive place in which to live, with well-established mixed communities, and good public services such as schools, leisure facilities and health services. There is a high level of economic activity, diverse employment opportunities and above average levels of skills attainment. There are excellent radial transport links to central London and centres outside London. The area scores well against most quality of life indicators.

Despite this overall picture, however, the sub-region experiences some major deprivation and social and economic disadvantage. Much of this is concentrated within particular pockets and neighbourhoods, and is associated with large social housing estates or areas of poor housing.


The housing context
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South-west London has a serious shortage of housing. The fast growing population and numbers of households put even greater pressures on the existing housing stock. High house prices and rents prohibit access to private sector housing for many. However, the amount of affordable housing stock in the sub-region, available to people, is relatively small. There is an estimated annual shortfall of 15,000 affordable homes and there are high levels of homelessness and difficulties in recruiting and retaining key workers unable to afford local housing. The existing housing stock requires significant investment to improve its condition and raise it to the decent homes standard.

The housing profile, however, offers a number of strengths. There is a good mix of tenures at a local community level and high rates of owner-occupation. And, whilst there are some major regeneration schemes, poor housing conditions tend to be dispersed rather than concentrated on large estates.

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