Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing
Federation, said:
“Today's Budget contains welcome steps to tackle the
cost-of-living crisis, with removal of the two-child benefit cap
- which we have long been calling for – set to lift thousands of
families out of poverty.
“We had expected the government to announce how rent convergence,
which equalises historical differences in rents over time, will
be reintroduced. This policy is both fair for tenants and vital
in ensuring the social housing sector has enough income to
maintain existing homes and build new ones. However, this
decision has now been delayed. We look forward to hearing the
government' decision on this in January, which will enable
housing associations to put in strong bids for funding through
the Social and Affordable Homes Programme and deliver on the
government's housebuilding ambitions.
“It's positive to see an additional £1.5bn to tackle fuel poverty
through the Warm Homes Plan and we look forward to seeing the
detail on this. However, it is disappointing not to see any
funding announced for supported housing, with many schemes
closing across the country due to years of cuts and rising
costs. We will work with the government to protect this
vital resource.
"Housing associations remain committed to delivering a decade of
renewal for social and affordable housing."
