The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has called on the coalition to protect investment in housing, as he announced that 26,014 affordable homes had been delivered in London over the past two years.

Speaking at the opening of a supported housing scheme called Arlington in north London, Johnson said London needed to stay on track to deliver 50,000 affordable homes by 2012.

Johnson said: “Despite hugely challenging economic circumstances, we are well underway to deliver a record number of new affordable homes – 50,000 by 2012, including the largest proportion of family sized units for a decade.

“But it is vital that London’s housing problems do not choke off growth in the capital and resulting national prosperity and this needs continued investment.

“We are making great strides in tackling overcrowding and these new homes will house families who desperately need them, safeguard jobs and help to cut housing benefit bills, which last year reached £20bn in the UK, by reducing the need to house people in expensive temporary accommodation.

“Continuing to invest in London is investing in the rest of the country. You need Londoners housed and working to fuel the motor driving the UK economy into lasting recovery.”

Johnson also outlined an “unprecedented” agreement reached with the London boroughs through the London Delivery Board that by the end of 2012 no individual arriving on the streets will sleep out for a second night.

David Orr, chief executive, National Housing Federation said: “It is essential that the government maintains its investment in affordable housing both in the capital and throughout the UK.

“Providing good and decent accommodation not only provides a place people can call home but also helps prevent serious health and educational problems. There has never been a more important time to invest in housing which can help end massive overcrowding and growing waiting lists.”

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