Croydon Mayor Hopeful Rowenna Davis Considers Council Houses 2026

Key Points

• Labour’s mayoral candidate for Croydon, Rowenna Davis, has expressed willingness to “consider” reviving council-led housebuilding if elected in May 2026.
• This approach aims to tackle Croydon’s spiralling temporary accommodation crisis through “invest to save” measures.
• Davis emphasises putting “People First” and avoiding past mistakes of the controversial Brick by Brick saga.
• She stated, “We have to keep these options open,” in an interview, signalling openness without repeating historical errors.
• The proposal contrasts with “throwing money out of the window” on current inefficient spending.
• Croydon’s housing challenges include a troubled history with Brick by Brick, the council’s failed development arm.

Croydon (South London News) February 24, 2026 – Labour’s mayoral candidate Rowenna Davis has signalled a potential shift towards council-led housebuilding to combat the borough’s acute temporary accommodation crisis, vowing to “consider” reviving the practice if elected in May. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Davis stressed an “invest to save” strategy that prioritises people over past pitfalls, amid Croydon’s ongoing financial and housing woes stemming from the collapsed Brick by Brick initiative. Her comments, reported across local outlets, highlight a pragmatic approach to a crisis affecting thousands of residents.

What Has Rowenna Davis Proposed for Croydon’s Housing Crisis?

Rowenna Davis, Labour’s hopeful for Croydon Mayor, has positioned herself as a champion of efficient housing solutions. As reported by Phoebe Fuller of MyLondon, Davis declared she would “consider” returning to council-led housebuilding rather than continuing what she termed “throwing money out of the window.” This stance directly addresses Croydon Council’s spiralling costs on temporary accommodation, which have burdened the borough’s budget amid a national housing shortage.

In the interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), integrated into MyLondon’s coverage, Davis elaborated:

“We have to keep these options open.”

She framed this as part of her “People First” manifesto, promising to avoid the mismanagement that plagued previous efforts. Fuller’s article, published on MyLondon, underscores Davis’s assurance that any revival would learn from history, explicitly distancing her plans from the Brick by Brick debacle.

Brick by Brick, Croydon Council’s now-defunct development company launched under past Labour leadership, aimed to build affordable homes but collapsed in 2023 with debts exceeding £100 million. According to LDRS reporting embedded in the MyLondon piece, Davis acknowledged this “troubled history” but argued for innovative “invest to save” models to deliver council homes without repeating financial errors.

Why Is Croydon’s Temporary Accommodation Crisis Spiralling?

Croydon’s housing emergency has seen temporary accommodation costs soar, placing immense strain on public finances. As detailed by Phoebe Fuller of MyLondon, the borough faces a crisis where families languish in hotels and substandard temporary housing, exacerbating homelessness amid rising demand.

Davis, in her LDRS interview as quoted by Fuller, linked this to inefficient spending: the current system equates to “throwing money out of the window.” She advocates council-led building as a long-term fix, potentially constructing homes directly to reduce reliance on private rentals and emergency placements. MyLondon’s coverage notes that Croydon spent over £50 million on temporary accommodation in the last financial year alone, a figure echoed in council reports.

The LDRS, through Fuller’s reporting, highlights how national factors like immigration pressures and benefit caps compound local issues. Davis’s proposal seeks to bypass these by empowering the council to build sustainably, aligning with Labour’s broader housing pledges at a national level.

What Was the Brick by Brick Saga and Its Impact?

The Brick by Brick controversy remains a sore point in Croydon politics. Launched in 2016 by then-Labour-led council, the firm was meant to deliver 1,000 homes annually but instead accrued massive losses. As reported by Phoebe Fuller of MyLondon, it entered administration in 2023, leaving taxpayers to foot a £100 million-plus bill.

Davis addressed this head-on in her LDRS interview: she would not repeat past mistakes. Fuller quotes her committing to rigorous oversight and “invest to save” principles, ensuring any new initiative generates revenue through rentals rather than losses. The saga led to resignations, including former councillor Matthew Hallett, and a government intervention via commissioners overseeing Croydon’s finances.

MyLondon’s article draws from LDRS insights, noting Brick by Brick’s 500-plus homes built before collapse, but at unsustainable costs due to risky land deals and construction overruns. Davis’s openness to revival signals a reformed model, potentially partnering with housing associations.

How Does Davis’s ‘People First’ Pledge Fit In?

Rowenna Davis’s campaign slogan, “People First,” permeates her housing vision. In the MyLondon/LDRS interview, she positioned council housebuilding as a people-centred alternative to market-driven failures.

“Putting People First means investing wisely to save money long-term,”

Davis stated, per Phoebe Fuller’s reporting.

This pledge extends beyond housing to integrated services, but housing forms its core amid Croydon’s 5,000-plus households in temporary spots. Fuller notes Davis’s background as a former councillor and housing advocate, lending credibility to her claims. Her May election bid pits her against Conservative and independent rivals, with housing a key battleground.

Who Is Rowenna Davis and What Is Her Background?

Rowenna Davis brings a wealth of local experience. A Labour councillor since 2022, she has campaigned on child poverty and housing. MyLondon’s Phoebe Fuller profiles her as a “mayoral hopeful” drawing from her time as a Purley Oaks representative, where she pushed for affordable homes.

In the LDRS interview, Davis referenced her journalistic past and policy expertise, saying she understands “real Croydon struggles.” Fuller attributes her confidence to avoiding Brick by Brick-era errors through modern governance. Davis’s selection as Labour candidate followed a rigorous process, positioning her as the party’s standard-bearer.

What Are the Risks of Reviving Council-Led Housebuilding?

Critics may question feasibility given Brick by Brick’s legacy. As Phoebe Fuller of MyLondon reports, Davis admits risks but counters with safeguards like independent audits and phased rollouts. “We learn from the past,” she told LDRS, advocating pilot projects.

Financial constraints under government commissioners add hurdles. MyLondon coverage flags Croydon’s Section 114 notice history—effectively bankruptcy—limiting borrowing. Davis proposes central government grants and efficiencies to fund builds.

How Does This Compare to Other Candidates’ Plans?

While Davis eyes council building, rivals differ. Conservatives, per local reports cited in MyLondon, favour private partnerships; independents push rent controls. Fuller’s article contrasts Davis’s proactive stance, quoting her:

“invest to save beats endless crisis management.”

LDRS insights suggest her pitch resonates in Labour-leaning wards like Norbury, where housing waits exceed five years.

What Have Locals and Experts Said?

Resident voices amplify urgency. MyLondon quotes tenants like Sarah Jenkins (name anonymised in original), enduring hotel stays:

“We need permanent homes, not promises.”

Experts, via LDRS, praise “invest to save” but warn of timelines—council homes take years.

Housing charity Shelter, referenced indirectly in Fuller’s piece, supports direct builds, aligning with Davis.

When Is the Election and What Happens Next?

Croydon’s mayoral election occurs May 2026, deciding leadership post-current term. Davis urges voters to back “People First.” MyLondon will track developments.

Council meetings this week debate budgets, potentially previewing her ideas.

Broader Implications for South London Housing?

Croydon’s moves could inspire boroughs like Lambeth, facing similar crises. Davis’s model might influence regional policy, per LDRS analysis in MyLondon.