The team aims to develop a recovery plan for the sector and action it together with the government.

The announcement was made through an open letter, which sets out the measures City Hall is undertaking to work with developers, housing associations and charities during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the letter, the deputy mayor said he did not think the impact on housing, development and construction can be understated.

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“It is clear that we will need to act to ensure that housing delivery in London can continue at pace and scale once it is safe for that to happen, and I am ready to work with government to ensure that partners are not penalised for having to compromise on delivery during this crisis,” he said.

He added that the recovery plan would seek to ensure that the sector is well placed to bounce back and that long-term resilience of the sector is improved.

“When we come out of the crisis, I am clear that we cannot just return to business as usual. 

“Our recovery will require bold public sector intervention, including new powers for councils and much greater funding from government for social and council housing.”