Boris Johnson: I'm on target for 50,000 new homes...but critics say some are Ken Livingstone's

Boris Johnson today claimed he was well on the way to fulfilling his target of 50,000 new affordable homes in London by next year.

The Mayor said 38,840 homes had been built since he was elected despite the toughest economic climate for decades. City Hall aides said he was on track to provide a record amount of new housing in one mayoral term.

But the figures have been disputed by political opponents and housing experts who say Mr Johnson is claiming credit for some homes begun under his predecessor Ken Livingstone.

They have also contested the number of new homes started by the Mayor since 2008, suggesting it is lower than claimed.

New research shows the gap between the number of people needing a home and the number available is set to widen during the next five years nationwide. The Construction Products Association found that 714,000 new homes would be built up to 2016, while official forecasts show 1.3 million new households would be formed. It leaves a shortfall of 622,000 homes, pushing up property prices and heaping pressure on those in rented accommodation.

Mr Johnson today launched a website to find and apply for affordable homes in the capital in a bid to help tackle the housing crisis. Londoners will be able to search for new homes and work out the monthly cost of renting or buying through an affordability calculator.

Visiting a housing development in Barnet, he said: "The capital is a fantastic city to live in, but for those on lower or middle incomes, getting on to the housing ladder can be extremely tough. So it is excellent news that we are closing in on delivering this target of 50,000 new affordable homes."