Mark Prisk’s Speech to the NHF Conference

I should like to speak about how we can increase the supply of homes.  In the Spring, we introduced a series of key policies, including New Buy, which has the capability of helping up to 100,000 people.  And two weeks ago we set out a comprehensive set of measures to accelerate progress. Those measures include:

    *Building up to another 15,000 new affordable homes and bringing an extra 5,000 empty homes back into use;

    *Putting an additional £280 million into FirstBuy - so around 27,000 will now be able to buy their first home; and

   *Confirming Government Guarantees of up to £10 billion, for the development of many more new rented homes.

It shows that this Government is absolutely committed to providing the policies and resources needed to build the homes people want.  All of us need a home, somewhere that families can be secure and where children can grow.  And I shall want to address those social issues, whether it is the scourge of neighbours from hell, or the plight of the homeless.  However, increasing the housing supply, especially of affordable homes, also has an important economic purpose. Building affordable homes is a great economic multiplier - and your buying power can help sustain local businesses.  You also provide jobs and help tackle worklessness.   So, while the issue of building new affordable homes is clearly front and centre - I also want to say that I recognise the vital role you play in helping to protect the homeless, the vulnerable and the marginalised in society.  Read more on the CLG website.