Councils need to play a bigger role in helping the country to solve the present housing crisis.
An in depth report by the Homes and Communities Agency and Local Government Association argues councils need to play a more pivotal role in delivering housing.
The report, entitled ‘Meeting Local Housing Demand’, lays out several options available to councils to press for greater housing.
It says that councils recognise that good and well-designed homes that stand the test of time can transform communities, improve outcomes for families and promote social mobility.
Cllr David Parsons, Chairman of the LGA’s Environment and Housing Board, said: “Clearly there is a massive challenge to bring down housing waiting lists and to deliver new affordable housing, but it is one which councils are ready to take the lead on.
“There are a number of options for councils to utilise, and I know they are all thinking ambitiously about how to deliver new housing, while improving existing homes.
“Nothing should be off the table when it comes to delivering the new homes which can result in local people leading healthier and happier lives.
“The ticking housing time bomb in the country can be defused if councils are allowed to get on the front foot and utilise the options available to them.
He added: “All partners, including Government and the HCA have an important role in ensuring councils have the tools and flexibility to deliver effectively for their communities.”
The report highlights how several council are proactively pushing the house building agenda.
In Manchester and Birmingham, the city councils are using public land and new policies to start a build-to-rent market, increasing the numbers of houses, and providing those renting with more flexible terms.
Cherwell Council, in North Oxfordshire, is bringing together its land, funding, powers, welfare policy and community programmes into a housing plan driven by local people and the community.
Leicestershire County Council has committed all of its New Homes Bonus received in 2011/12 to support the building of rural, affordable homes, for rent or for shared ownership.
Key recommendations:
| • | Councils should have strong Local Plans in place which should include details on the required design, quality and style of buildings, and the number of developments allowed. |
| • | Work more closely with communities so they can understand the benefits of developments occurring in their local areas. |
| • | Investigate what public land in the local area is suitable for development. |
| • | Adopt new approaches to delivering affordable housing in local areas. Options could include build-to-rent, co-operatives and Community-Right-to-Build. |
| • | Explore how the Green Deal can be used to make existing homes more energy efficient and contribute to other local priorities, such as carbon reduction, town centre renewal and fuel poverty. |
