“Safe, Decent, and Affordable Homes for All”—this is UNISON’s vision for housing. Yet in London, the realities of soaring rents, unsafe living conditions, and a dire shortage of social housing keep this goal far out of reach. Public service workers, marginalised communities, and young people are among those disproportionately impacted by the housing crisis.
The Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 remains a symbol of the systemic failures in London’s housing sector. Years later, survivors and bereaved families are still seeking justice, while many promises regarding fire safety reforms and accountability remain unfulfilled.
Sonya Howard, National Executive Council member and Branch Chair for Kensington and Chelsea branch, highlighted the enduring impact of Grenfell; “The Grenfell final report made clear that the events leading up to the tragedy were avoidable and those responsible brought to justice. That Kensington and Chelsea UNISON members will never forget the horror and devastation on the community that night and fire there suffering there is no words. The loss of families, loved ones, friends and neighbours can never be mended.
“In my speech at Labour Party conference, I called on the Government to remove this dangerous cladding covering both public and private buildings. We cannot risk another Grenfell and if we’ve learnt anything from that dreadful night, that all this inflammable materials should be removed immediately. That through reintroduction of building controls safety regulation that this should be paramount.”
Grenfell also revealed the devastating consequences of chronic underfunding in public services. Emergency responders, local authorities, and social housing providers lack the resources to deliver the safety and dignity Londoners deserve. For public service workers who responded to Grenfell, the tragedy underscored the emotional and professional toll of operating within systems stretched far beyond capacity.
Addressing the housing crisis is essential not just to prevent future tragedies but to rebuild trust and dignity for those most affected by systemic neglect.
London’s housing crisis is stark. Trust for London reports that the average rent for a one-bedroom flat is 46% of the average Londoner’s income—nearly double the national average of 25%.
Even with exorbitant rents, housing quality remains unacceptable for many. According to Shelter, 60% of London renters live in substandard conditions, including damp, vermin infestations, and hazardous properties.
This insecurity is particularly harmful to public service workers. Precarious housing increases stress and anxiety, leading to more sick days, reduced productivity, and higher burnout rates. Many workers must also take leave to handle housing emergencies, further straining public services already stretched thin.
For young workers and marginalised communities, the housing crisis is even more acute. Homeownership is unattainable for many young people due to skyrocketing property prices and insufficient social housing. Black Londoners, migrants, single-parent families, and people with disabilities face systemic barriers, including discrimination in renting, precarious employment, and higher poverty rates.
Without secure housing, many find it challenging to secure stable jobs, creating a cycle where precarious living conditions and economic instability feed into one another.
The dream of social housing feels increasingly distant for many Londoners. The average wait for a family-sized social home now exceeds five years, with over 323,000 households on waiting lists—more than double the population of Cambridge.
Meanwhile, councils are struggling to manage the crisis. UNISON’s Councils on the Brink report highlights a projected £650 million budget shortfall for 2025/26. At the same time, Centre for London reports that councils are spending £114 million every month on temporary accommodation to house those often displaced by the housing crisis. These costs, while necessary, divert resources away from building long-term affordable housing solutions.
Recent developments offer hope for renters and key workers alike. The Labour government’s proposed Renters’ Rights Bill introduces several measures to strengthen tenant protections:
- Abolishing no-fault Section 21 evictions
- Applying the Decent Homes Standard to private rentals, ensuring safer living conditions
- Creating a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman to resolve disputes quickly and fairly
- Preventing landlords from discriminating against tenants on benefits or with children
Building on these changes, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched a consultation to deliver Key Worker Living Rent (KWLR) homes. These homes would offer rents set at 40% of key workers’ average household incomes after tax, saving eligible workers—such as nurses, teaching assistants, care workers, and more—up to £600 a month compared to private rents.
The initiative aims to address the needs of workers who earn too much to qualify for social housing but struggle to afford private rents. By 2030, the Mayor plans to begin construction on at least 6,000 KWLR homes.
UNISON London regional secretary Jo Galloway said:
“This is a crucial step in tackling the housing crisis facing London’s key workers.
“It should help deliver more safe, secure, and affordable homes for staff who keep the capital’s vital public services running.
“UNISON has long campaigned for a fairer rental market and for essential workers’ voices to be heard and represented.”
The KWLR initiative builds on the success of London Living Rent homes, offering a clearer rent-setting process and greater affordability. Rent increases may also be tied to wage growth, ensuring long-term financial stability for renters.
The combined impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill and KWLR initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing these challenges. But sustained investment and reform are essential to ensure all Londoners have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.
Read UNISON’s Housing Manifesto 2020