Housebuilding Slump Could Be Tackled By Council Investment

The national housebuilding slump could be halted by a council-backed programme to build tens of thousands of new homes.  Local authority leaders are urging the Chancellor to give the construction industry a shot in the arm in next month's Spending Round by removing unnecessary restrictions on council investment in new housing.  It comes as official Government figures released today show that the numbers of new homes completed in the first quarter of this year continues its downward trend.  The Local Government Association, which speaks on behalf of more than 370 councils in England and Wales, is calling for a commitment in next month's Spending Round to remove the unnecessary housing borrowing cap.  Read more on the LGA website.