Ken Livingstone announced on the 7th February 08 that more than 33,000 new homes were built in London last year - the largest annual figure since 1977.  A total of 11,980 affordable homes were also provided, an increase of more than 70% since 2000.

The figures released by the Greater London Authority show for the first time home building in Lodon last year exceeded the Mayor's target of 30,500 per year, which is particularly encouraging news for Londoners who now report housing and particularly affordable housing, as their most important concern.

The Mayor also welcomed the setting up of a new body, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to support housing and regeneration nationally, which will see the merger of the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships.  The Major, Ministers and the new Chief Executive of the HCA, Sir Bob Kerslake, have agreed to work together to establish a joint arrangement for London to deliver the HCA's £2 billion per year programme in London.