Half of London's social housing occupied by people born overseas

A Telegraph analysis reveals that foreign-born heads of households in London cost Britain about £3.6 billion annually in discounted rent. Nearly half - 48 per cent, is occupied by foreign-born heads of household, data from the 2021 census shows. This is well over the national average of 19 per cent. They enjoy rent discounts averaging £11,600 per year compared to private rents.

Foreign-born heads of households in London cost Britain around £3.6 billion a year in discounted rent, Telegraph analysis suggests.These households benefit from cheap rents which, when compared to private rent in London, average out at a discount of around £11,600 per year per household.

Responding to the figures, Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said: “This research shows how the huge costs of mass, low-skilled migration are often hidden from the public. When you lift up the bonnet, it’s clear that the level and composition of immigration have been hugely economically harmful for decades”.

Additionally, 35% of working-age foreign-born heads are unemployed or inactive. The disparity in social housing allocation varies across boroughs, with over 60% in some areas but as low as 16% in others.