London leads social housing growth with 17.2% surge, outpacing the rest of England

Data analysis of the latest social housing lettings data Local Authority Housing Statistics ( LAHS) by Capital Letters https://www.capitalletters.co.uk has revealed an encouraging 17.2% increase in social lettings across the capital, the largest rise in England.

Social lettings in the capital increased from 12,579 between 2021 and 2022, rising to 14,746 between 2023 and 2024. While London experienced the biggest growth, other regions also saw smaller increases.

The West Midlands came second with a 3.1% increase. There were 8,800 properties classified as social lettings between 2021 and 2022 and 9079 between 2023 and 2024.

The East of England saw a 3% increase. There were 7988 social lettings in the region between 2021 and 2022 and this has increased to 8225 between 2023 and 2024.

Region Social Lettings 2021-2022 Social Lettings 2023-2024 % Change London 12579 14746 17.2 West Midlands 8800 9079 3.1 East of England 7988 8225 3 South East 9407 9459 0.5 Yorkshire and The Humber 13232 13012 -1.6 North West 5528 5274 -4.5 East Midlands 10227 9436 -7.7 South West 4676 4134 -12 North East 4305 3659 -15 However, other regions struggle with significant declines in social lettings.

In stark contrast the North East had the sharpest drop, with a 15% decline from 4,305 to 3,695 social lettings, the largest reduction across England.

The South West had a 12% decrease in social lettings from 4,676 to 4,134. The East Midlands fell by 7.7% from 10,227 to 9,43 social lettings.

Lettings to existing social housing tenants transferring between homes fell by 5.4% from 24,325 between 2021 and 2002 to 23,011 between 2023 and 2024.

Steven Strachan, Managing Director from Capital Letters commented, “Social housing plays a vital role in providing security and stability for society’s most vulnerable individuals and families.

“The rise in lettings to new tenants is encouraging, but the decline in certain regions is concerning. Many people rely on social housing to escape homelessness, overcrowding, and unaffordable private rents. “It also gives people the opportunity to save money with the hope of getting onto the housing ladder in the future whilst protecting individuals who need support the most. “Ensuring fair access to safe and stable homes must remain a priority, particularly in areas where lettings are decreasing. Without urgent action to address regional disparities, those in greatest need risk being left without the support they desperately need.”