‘Widespread Doubt’ Across Sector That Housing Targets Can Be Met

A new report recognises “widespread doubt” across the sector that government housing targets can be met – with a lack of suitable sites and continuing delays to the planning process hampering delivery. The 2018-2022 Social Housing Construction and Maintenance Market Report – published by AMA Research also references a “much-reduced role” for the social housing sector in newbuild housing. Funding for affordable housing has fallen in recent years and housing providers are now expected to build homes for sale and rent at full market prices, and using the profits to provide a smaller portfolio of social homes, the report says. Read more on 24housing.

http://www.24housing.co.uk/news/widespread-doubt-across-sector-that-housing-targets-can-be-met/

92% Of Councils Not Meeting Affordable Housing Needs

The study, by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), warned that 92% of councils are not meeting affordable housing need in their areas. It found that affordable housing represented the biggest delivery challenge – with two-thirds, or 67%, of authorities failing to meet overall housing demand in 2015/16. The report called on chancellor Philip Hammond to make further investment in affordable housing at the Budget, including through allowing councils to take on extra borrowing in order to build new homes. Researchers said that sub-market housing products such as affordable rent and shared ownership are becoming increasingly out of reach for low and middle-income earners in most areas. Download the report from the IPPR website.