Barbara Brownlee, CEO of Soho Housing

THIS year, Soho Housing celebrates its 50th anniversary.

In 1973 a grassroots movement came together, born from a desire to improve local housing conditions, protect homes at risk of redevelopment and protect Soho’s workers from being priced out of living in the city.

Soho Housing Association was the result, and today we now own and manage almost 800 properties (and 39 commercial premises) in the heart of London, providing quality homes that local people can afford.

An anniversary marks the events of the past, and we look forward to celebrating the inspiring achievements of 1973 with residents and friends.

But looking to the past, we can’t help but reflect: what of our city’s future?

Fifty years on from that grassroots movement, as social landlords, we continue in our mission to safeguard some of London’s most vibrant and diverse communities across Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury, Farringdon, Queen’s Park and Victoria.

However it is hard to ignore that the very same factors that prompted our founding still persist today.

The housing market is in crisis as the cost of living continues to bite at budgets, forcing increasing numbers of residents out of central London.

In fact Office for National Statistics data show average private rental prices increased by 5 per cent in London from the start of this year to April, the highest rate rise seen for a decade.

The reality is, life here is no longer viable for many, for example, young, low-wage, workers without statutory rights to housing simply cannot afford to rent where they work.

It paints a sad picture. Diverse, unique, thriving communities are the bedrock of our cities, and what gave locations like Soho and Covent Garden the global recognition they enjoy today.

With the property market on its current trajectory, driving out lower income households, we risk our cities becoming a monoculture.

And that is to say nothing of the impact on mental health and physical health of those being forced to live in sub-par accommodation.

When looking towards the future of our city, we must ensure groups like young, low-wage, workers are accounted for in our plans. The next generation will keep our cultural hubs thriving, drive innovations and found new businesses.

It’s exciting to see a growing number of movements seeking to account for community and social value emerging across the economy, from industry-wide practices in the built environment sector to smaller scale local business initiatives.

But more can be done to safeguard community and social value in our cities.

Housing associations like us have a significant role to play, by providing affordable housing to some of society’s most vulnerable.

Government does too, and it is more important than ever that the government works hard to find alternative solutions to the country and London’s housing crises.

Increasing grant funds to alleviate the cost of building affordable housing to rent would be a strong start. After all, affordable housing is not only for households, but for community.

Right now, by providing quality homes at a price point that local people can afford, ensuring a wide range of people at all income levels can still live in our city, we are in the business of sustaining and strengthening that community.

Long may we continue to do so.