‘The HRA Does Not Oppose Social Housing’.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration,Councillor Graham Williamson today writes in the Havering Daily in response to a recent article called ‘Political Parties Unite In Efforts for More Social Housing.’

I am writing in response to your recent article detailing the motion passed at Full Council on 3rd September, led by Councillor David Taylor and supported by Labour and Independent councillors. While the headline suggests a noble cause, the narrative presented is misleading and misrepresents both the facts and the position of the Havering Residents Association (HRA).

Let me be absolutely clear: the HRA does not oppose social housing. What we opposed was a motion that lacked financial rigour, strategic clarity, and a viable delivery mechanism. Championing social housing is commendable—but doing so without a credible funding model risks undermining the Council’s ability to deliver any housing at all. This is not responsible governance; it is political posturing.

The article fails to acknowledge the significant work already underway across our housing strategy. 

‘Affordable’ is a catch-all term that reflects a wider range of housing options beyond just council-owned stock which covers housing (owned and managed by local authorities, housing association properties, Shared ownership schemes or Discounted market rent homes, for example.

Mercury Land Holdings (MLH), the Council’s wholly owned development company, has delivered 117 affordable homes for local people. 

In addition, at New Green, for example, the Wates Residential joint venture has recently delivered 197 affordable homes, and Blocks 9 & 10 at Waterloo and Queen Street will provide another 107 affordable homes—facts which are missing from Councillor Taylor’s speech and the article.

Councillor Taylor’s assertion that MLH “prevents the council from building social housing” is not only inaccurate but ignores the economic realities developers face today: rising construction costs, regulatory pressures, and a stagnating market. 

MLH was established to navigate these challenges and deliver homes in a financially sustainable way. To suggest it is some sort of obstacle is just wrong.

Moreover, the distinction between “affordable” and “social” housing is well understood by this Administration. We support a balanced housing strategy—one that includes social, affordable, and market-rate homes to meet the diverse needs of our residents. This is not about semantics; it is about sustainability and delivery.

The HRA is committed to responsible development, robust financial planning, and housing policies that serve all residents—not just those who fit neatly into a political narrative. We will not be distracted by declarations of “historic defeats” or attempts to rewrite facts for electoral gain.

Councillor Taylor’s remarks about party politics are ironic given the overtly political nature of the motion and the theatrics surrounding its passage. Our residents deserve leadership grounded in substance, not soundbites.

We remain focused on delivering homes through thoughtful planning and sound governance. That means working with MLH, not undermining it, and ensuring that every housing initiative is financially viable and strategically sound.

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