Black people in Haringey may not benefit from plans to build new homes, a report has revealed.

An equality impact assessment, carried out as part of the Haringey Borough Council’s draft housing strategy, shows that black communities and ethnic minorities are under-represented in new housing schemes.

The document said: “There is a possibility that over time black residents in Haringey may not benefit from the plans to build more homes in the borough through promoting affordable home ownership in east Haringey.”

It also states that white households may benefit more easily from new housing schemes.

In terms of ethnicity, white shared ownership buyers are over-represented at 71 per cent across two schemes in central and east Haringey compared with their presence in the population at 51 per cent.

However black and minority ethnic shared ownership buyers are underrepresented at 29 per cent compared with their presence in the population of 48 per cent.

The report also shows that home ownership is high in west Haringey in places like Crouch End and Muswell Hill whereas in eastern areas of the borough like Tottenham and West Green social rented housing is the dominant way of living.

The assessment, published earlier this month, states that for the council to help support existing communities, ways of ensuring black households have access to low cost home ownership need to be explored.

One solution suggested is encouraging growth in jobs in the borough and changing the profile of Haringey-based employment to more highly skilled sectors.

A Haringey Council spokesman said: “Our draft housing strategy sets out a clear commitment that every family has the right to a modern, high-quality home, with plans to build thousands of new homes, improve conditions for private renters and make housing more affordable.

“Our research has shown that many residents would benefit from schemes such as shared ownership that provide a helping hand for those struggling to save for a deposit in the face of ever-increasing house prices.

“But it also shows that for some communities, low-cost home ownership may not be the best option, which is why we’re committed to bringing more homes for social and affordable rent.

“Our housing strategy will be shaped directly by the views of local people, and we will consider all feedback when consultation starts later this year.”

The report can be found here