Mayor welcomes government’s ‘historic council house building comeback’
Mayor Claire Ward has welcomed the Government’s announcement of the record £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme. With almost 180,000 children growing up without a permanent home, the government is putting councils at the heart of housebuilding.
The funding will be used to drive the biggest council housebuilding revival in decades to help families into safe and secure homes.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable home, yet too many families across the East Midlands are still waiting far too long for one.
“This investment is a significant step towards tackling the housing crisis, helping more people move out of temporary accommodation and into homes where they can put down roots, build their futures and thrive.
“I particularly welcome the Government’s commitment to social rent and to putting more power and decision-making into the hands of local leaders. We know our communities best and can deliver the genuinely affordable homes local people need.
“Just as importantly, we need to support our partners to turn ambition into delivery. We will work with councils, housing providers and developers to unlock sites, overcome barriers and make sure funding reaches the projects and communities where it can have the greatest impact.
“The East Midlands has ambitious plans for growth, regeneration and housing delivery. This announcement gives us a stronger platform to unlock sites, support communities and ensure more families have access to a safe place to call home.”
Over £2 billion of today’s funding is expected to be spent in Mayoral areas outside of London. Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities, including the East Midlands Combined County Authority are setting the strategic direction for the programme in their areas, helping ensure investment reflects local priorities.
Outside London, the Social and Affordable Homes Programme will be administered by Homes England, so EMCCA will be working closely with them to drive investment into the areas with the most need. Over time, more funding is expected to flow directly to mayoral authorities as the programme develops, building on the Government’s commitment to move power and decision-making out of Whitehall.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “No child should be raised in a hostel room and no family should wait ten years for a front door of their own. I have said from my first day in this job that everything starts with a good home.
“Nearly £10 billion will go to councils and housing associations to build genuinely affordable homes, most of them for social rent, in the places where families are waiting longest.
“Councils built this country out of a housing crisis once before. Backed properly, and trusted to get on with it, they will do it again.”
Secretary of State Angela Rayner said: “Families can’t be left raising children without a place to call home, and none of us should spend years waiting for somewhere safe and affordable to live.
“I know how important fixing this is – because I’ve been there. A safe and secure home was the foundation for a better life – I couldn’t have got to where I have today without it.
“That’s why the Prime Minister and I are doing everything we can to get councils building once again – it’s fundamental to turning the housing crisis around, helping families out of temporary accommodation and into a secure home.”
This announcement builds on the strong track record that the Combined Authority is building on brownfield housing regeneration. Mayor Claire’s Brownfield Housing Fund is already delivering thousands of homes in the region, many of which are affordable.