Episode 4: Bricks and mortar, hearts and minds:
Darren Rodwell is leader of the council in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham in east London. He is also standing as the Labour candidate to become MP for Barking in the 4 July general election – and is this week’s guest on the Home Truths podcast.
Born in Barking and brought up in Dagenham, Rodwell’s declared aim has been to deliver 50,000 homes in his borough by 2037 through partnerships with developers. He is credited with achieving the largest number of social or affordable housing starts in any London borough.
In today’s interview, which is released just days after the date for the snap election was announced, Rodwell explains how the council has increased housing supply via Be First, its urban regeneration arm, and Reside, which provides rental homes at 50% to 80% of market rates.
He also talks to Jackie Sadek and Peter Bill about how growing up on the Becontree Estate shaped his politics, how his model for working with the private sector helps to de-risk the construction of new homes and his nine-point proposal for housebuilding in Britain.
Episodes of Home Truths will be available every Tuesday.
Introduced and edited by Chloe McCulloch, editorial director for Building and Housing Today. Audio production by Tariq Aziz.
Home Truths is a Building Talks series produced for Building and Housing Today.