TACKLING HOMELESSNESS
Capital Letters pools the procurement activity of councils in London to access an improved supply of good-quality accommodation to prevent homelessness.
The housing pressures on low-income households in London have never been greater, particularly in the light of the impact of the pandemic on the economy and individuals.
Capital Letters is backed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). The purpose of the government investment is to reduce the costs of providing accommodation. By working through Capital Letters, councils create greater efficiency through collaboration and partnership.
Increasing affordable housing supply for London boroughs
Our primary objective is to increase supply from the private rented sector (PRS). Capital Letters also enables member councils to use less nightly paid temporary accommodation.
By reducing competition between councils, Capital Letters offers a simpler interface for London’s landlords, agents and developers.
Capital Letters provides member councils with an opportunity to gain control of the housing market and provide a consistent and good quality service for landlords. In the long term, this will provide:
- Better value for money for local and central government
- A cohesive approach to the use of private rental properties across London
- Potential for member councils to reduce costs of nightly paid accommodation
- Control over the quality of properties and rogue landlords
- Sustainability of tenancies to stop the revolving door of homelessness.
At our recent recent conference, we considered the rise of family homelessness in London. This short video introduces the homelessness crisis and Capital Letters’ response.