94% Of Social Housing Providers Demand Improved Housing Policy

Independent research across 100 senior decision makers in social housing shows 94% believe the government needs to improve its housing policy – because present policy leaves them and the communities they serve at risk. Transformation specialist Civica releases the finding in a new report  ‘The Changing Landscape for Social Housing’ prepared in partnership with SOLACE and The CIH. Specifically, senior housing decision makers want policy to focus on a broader range of tenures beyond home ownership (65%) and to reduce or scrap the annual 1% rent cut entirely (49%). Priorities over the next 12 months are identified as the safeguarding of jobs (59%), cutting costs and driving efficiencies (57%), improving customer service and satisfaction (57%) and dealing with changing regulations and reforms (52%). Read more on 24housing.

Housing Affordability Ranked As Most Urgent Issue Affecting Councils

The cost of housing in the UK and its impact on local people is now the main concern for local government, ranking higher than long-held concerns about health and social care services in a survey of council chief executives.  A survey found affordability of housing was the area that most needed improvements according to 61% of local government chief executives, with adult social care (43%) and health care services (39%) coming second and third. Wage levels and cost of living (38%) and job prospects (36%) closely follow. At the opposite end of the list, parking (3%), community relations and antisocial behaviour (both 4%) were deemed the lowest priority. Download a copy of the survey results from the Solace website.