MPA places moratorium on sale of police houses

24/00
4 October 2000

The Metropolitan Police Authority announced today that it has placed a three month moratorium on the sale of police housing.

The Authority is concerned about the problems of recruitment and retention affecting the Metropolitan Police, a part of which is the high cost of housing in London.

Toby Harris, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority commented:

“Our immediate priority is getting the police up to strength. A substantial shortfall is anticipated and it might well go below the strength required to police London effectively by the end of this year. While considerable measures are now being taken to improve recruitment procedures, we must end the scandal of police officers who cannot afford to buy or rent homes near where they work.

“Our concern is that in agreeing to the disposal of the Met’s surplus residential accommodation, we should be getting rid of a potentially very valuable source of affordable housing for future police recruits. We have accordingly placed a moratorium on the sale of police housing.

“The Authority also supports the Mayor’s initiative on affordable housing for key workers, which obviously includes police officers. The need to recruit a further 2,044 police officers over the next three years makes the provision of affordable housing for police officers from all sources a major requirement.”

Notes to editors

The Metropolitan Police Authority took over responsibility for the Metropolitan Police Service from the Home Secretary on 3 July. Lord Toby Harris is the Chair and Peter Herbert and Richard Barnes are Deputy Chairs.

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