Investigate the contemporary challenges that affect life in the AC city, such as housing availability, transport provision, access to services and inequality
Housing availability in London
London’s population has grown rapidly, but homes have not been built at the same pace. As a result there is a housing shortage, meaning that prices and rents have risen. Average rents are double the UK average and the houses are some of the least affordable in the World. This means that many lower income workers cannot afford to buy or rent, so either have to live a long way from where they work and commute into London daily, or share a house with others.
Transport problems
London has a very good transport, but the rising population is putting the transport networks under extreme pressure. Roads are frequently congested (the average traffic speed during the day is 8mph), which has implications for lost office hours. About 1 million commuter’s arrive daily on overcrowded trains. Delays on the Underground doubled between 2013 and 2015.
Access to services
Although London has some of the best health care and education services in the UK, the increasing population means that some people struggle to access these services. Hospital are often overcrowded and doctor’s appointment waiting time have increased. Congested streets can cause delays for ambulances. Wealthy people can access fee paying schools and some of the best state schools in the country. Children from poorer families often end up in underperforming school. This widens the game between children’s attainment.
Inequality
There is a huge wealth gap in London; the average salary in Kensington and Chelsea is £130,000, but in Newham it is less than £30,000. Due to unemployment and low wages, 25% of the population live in poverty. Unhealthy lifestyles, e.g. drinking and smoking, are common in deprived areas, life expectancy varies by 5 years.