Kate Henderson Chief Executive at the National Housing
Federations, says:
"Today's budget demonstrates the government's commitment to
social housing, recognising it alongside the NHS and schools, as
part of the vital infrastructure of our country.
“With the delivery of new social homes at risk due to funding
constraints, a £500m top-up to the affordable homes programme is
hugely welcome and something we've been urgently calling for to
prevent a collapse in delivery. We also support the government's
decision to review Right to Buy discounts; with record levels of
overcrowding and child homelessness, it is vital we protect our
existing social homes.
“We are pleased to see some progress on funding for building
safety work in social housing. However, additional long-term
funding is key to ensure money is not diverted from existing
residents and new social housing. We also look forward to
working with the government on a new rent settlement
consultation. With our sector facing financial pressures due to
decades of cuts, this will provide long-term certainty for social
housing providers and transparency for residents.
“The £3.4bn kickstart for the Warm Homes Plan is a welcome first
step towards the government's manifesto commitment of
£13.2bn, helping to tackle fuel poverty and the climate
emergency.
“While there is much for social housing providers to welcome in
today's Budget, it is disappointing not to see funding for
supported housing, which is currently in crisis with 3 in 5
providers forced to close schemes in the last year.
“With the housing crisis affecting people in every part of the
country, we support the government's ambition to build 1.5
million new homes, but we can only achieve this with the right
support. We look forward to a new long term housing strategy
announced at the next spending review, including a significant
boost in funding for social housing.”
