London Fields Housing Surgery

In Hackney more people rent privately than own their property, while the majority rent from a council or housing association. Those who rent privately are spending more than half their wages on rent, whilst prices over the last decade have increased by nearly 125 per cent.

Aside from those who own their home everyone else is caught in a trap. Potential purchasers are priced out, private tenants are seeing rents escalate (and many now sharing rooms with strangers), and even social housing rents are difficult for those on the lowest wages.

Which is why last Friday I held a housing surgery in London Fields to hear from residents about their experiences and issues.

I was joined by local Councillors Anntoinette Bramble, M Can Ozsen and Emma Plouviez, at Queensbridge Community Centre, for a constructive discussion.

I strongly believe that a stable home is the basis for a stable life - a job, family stability and community cohesion.

I asked all those who attended to set out their costs against their income. We need to tell Government what living costs really mean for Londoners. You can do the same by completing my survey here.