Use public transport profits to reform lettings, Boris told

The London Assembly has called on Mayor Boris Johnson to solve the housing crisis by using profits from the capital’s buses and underground system.

In particular, it wants the Mayor to crack down on rogue landlords and agents, and investigate ways of controlling rent rises.

Assembly members have agreed a motion urging the Mayor to use surplus revenue from Transport for London.

The motion calls for more affordable housing to be built, plus the creation of a ‘know your rights’ website for private tenants.

It also calls for the Mayor to work with councils to crack down on rogue landlords and investigate the creation of a London-wide public lettings agency, which would offer longer tenancies and lower fees.

The motion was proposed by Stephen Knight and seconded by Nicky Gavron, who once stood as a mayoral candidate.

Knight said: “London needs a massive increase in the number of new affordable homes to ensure that Londoners can find a good place to live at a reasonable price, and stop them being ripped off by rogue landlords and dodgy letting agents.

“The money is out there. Over each of the last three years alone, Transport for London’s unbudgeted surpluses have topped a quarter of a billion pounds and it is time that cash was put to work easing the housing crisis.

“The Mayor must recognise that housing is the biggest economic and social challenge facing London today. He has the tools – it’s time he got to work.”