In Conversation With: Richard Blakeway, Mayoral Advisor on Housing

PRSupdate has introduced a new feature where we regularly speak to some of London’s leading figures and movers and shakers from within the property, investment, finance and charity sectors.

Those we have spoken with recently include Sonal Shah, Executive Director of The Capital Community Foundation, and Christopher Hamer, The Property Ombudsman.

Today we talk with Richard Blakeway, who works closely with Boris Johnson as the Mayoral Advisor on Housing.

In one sentence, sum up the role of Mayoral Advisor on Housing
To oversee the delivery of the Mayor’s housing and homelessness policies.

What are the main challenges faced by the housing sector and what are your priorities for the capital’s housing?
Housing is central to London’s economy, and the supply of homes is important to stimulate economic growth.  The main priorities for the GLA are to set the policy framework; deliver the Mayor’s pledge for a record 50K homes by the end of this Mayoral term; drive the supply of housing, in  particular affordable, through investment and also use of land assets; raise standards both in terms of design standards and also encouraging, for example, private landlords to become accredited; and generate greater social and economic mobility, both between tenures and geographically.

What effect did the recent changes in the economic climate have on the capital’s housing?
It meant a number of developments were no longer viable in the current climate, but we had success during the last three years using the housing budget innovatively to unlock schemes, including some major regeneration schemes, and continue the supply of housing.

What effect will the London 2012 Olympics have on housing provision?
There is significant interest in the Olympic village amongst institutional investors which could act as a catalyst for attracting more private investment to the residential market.

You have been active in the area of international development, spending time abroad. How have you used that experience in your current position?
While the challenges around international development are very different, some of the skills required to navigate complex bureaucracies are transferable.  Like international development, the challenges around housing go beyond the housing sector itself: they are complex, wide-ranging encompassing health and welfare too, and often involve different bodies with competing priorities.

Where might you be on a daily basis? Inside the office / at meetings / presenting at conferences etc. What does a typical day look like for you?
Lots of meetings but also visits to look at schemes on the ground, and engage with and listen to the sector.

What are the main day-to-day challenges you face in your role?
Competing demands.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Seeing projects come to fruition and helping design and negotiate new ones.

What’ s been your most memorable moment or proudest achievement?
Helping secure new legislation to give the mayor greater housing powers and despite the economic challenges, ensuring the mayor remains on track to deliver a record 50K affordable homes, matched by a significant increase in the number of new affordable housing starts, by the end of this term.