91探花

Yesterday the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner addressed MPs on the government’s planned revival of mandatory housing targets and development of green belt and grey field land to build 1.5million new homes, with focus on affordable and social housing provision. 

John Guest, national head of social housing at 91探花, comments: 'The government’s announcement today signals a positive change in momentum for social housing to increase the supply of affordable and social housing. This commitment suggests government is listening to the sector, having previously raised concerns about the level of affordable housing development.

'More encouragingly, the Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of collaborating with housing associations, local authorities and other industries bodies to deliver housing targets and long-term economic growth. This offers further opportunity for housing associations to influence decision making for the communities they support with job creation and providing high-quality housing. Government’s focus on building more homes on green belt and grey field land in areas with access to education, healthcare and transport services brings further welcome news, providing tenants with a stable environment.'

He added: 'But, the government needs to address the availability of finance to support its ambitions, especially if housebuilding is accelerated. Social housing continues to face financial challenges relating to investment in existing stock, meeting sustainability targets, and developing new homes. Registered Providers of Social Housing are also under pressure to improve the quality of housing while keeping rents affordable and placing the tenant at the heart of the organisation. The government’s incoming housing strategy therefore needs to outline how funding will be allocated to ensure safe, high-quality social housing while keeping rental costs as low as possible.'