The publication of Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing represents significant long-term commitment to social and affordable housing. It is the product of sustained engagement across our sector, and we welcome this strategic plan to address the housing crisis.
We strongly support the Government’s ambition to deliver 300,000 social and affordable homes over ten years through the newly established Social and Affordable Homes Programme. The commitment to deliver 60% of these homes at social rent levels, linked to local incomes, is particularly important in ensuring that new supply meets the needs of those on the lowest incomes in our communities.
We welcome the Government’s clear five-point plan: boosting grant funding, rebuilding the sector’s capacity to invest, establishing a stable regulatory regime, reinvigorating council housebuilding, and forging a renewed partnership with housing providers. But to deliver on this promise, we must also confront challenges in planning, build costs, and supply chains with realism and collaboration.
Equally important is the Government’s consultation on implementing rent convergence. Historic rent disparities have constrained our sector’s ability to improve existing homes and deliver new ones. Clarity on a fair approach will provide the financial certainty housing providers need to invest confidently in both new supply and the ongoing quality of existing homes.
We also welcome the focus on safety, quality and decency in the new reforms, including the updated Decent Homes Standard, new energy efficiency requirements, and the introduction of Awaab’s Law and strengthened electrical safety standards. Resident safety, quality of service, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. These commitments are vital to maintaining trust and delivering not only more homes, but better homes.
These announcements place social and affordable housing at the centre of tackling the housing crisis over the next decade. They provide the policy clarity, and long-term funding commitment that are essential if we are to scale up delivery and rebuild the sector’s capacity to invest and deliver the homes our communities need.
We are committed to work in close partnership with Government, local authorities, and our wider partners to deliver on this plan. By doing so, we can help ensure every person has access to a safe, affordable and decent home, creating stronger, fairer communities for years to come.