The National Housing Federation has welcomed news that a Housing Bill was front and centre of the Queen’s Speech and to see the Government committed to getting more homes built.
But the federation has once again voiced concern at the on-going housing crisis in the UK and whether the Government has a long-term strategy to tackle thr problems.
The Queen's Speech includes plans to support home ownership and extend the right-to-buy scheme to 1.3 million social housing tenants in England feature in a new Housing Bill. Under the plans, housing association tenants will be able to buy the homes they rent at a discount. There will also be help for first-time buyers, with 200,000 starter homes made available to under-40s at a 20% discount.
Both are commitments which were included in the Conservatives' general election manifesto. The government says the bill will increase the housing supply and ensure local people have more control over planning.
Henry Gregg, Assistant Director of Campaigns & Communications at the National Housing Federation: “We are pleased to see a Housing Bill front and centre of the Queen’s Speech and to see the Government committed to getting more homes built.
“Plans to identify and free up brownfield land, the Right to Build and Starter Homes are all moves in the right direction and will contribute to resolving the huge housing shortage we have. But we need to ensure these new homes are built where people need them and available at a price people can afford. However, the proposed Right to Buy extension and welfare reforms put these plans at risk.
“The cities devolution bill has the potential to bring an end to the housing crisis in all its different forms, grow local economies and regenerate communities. Housing associations stand ready to engage with local leaders to help create communities where people want to live and work.
“Housing associations are ambitious about building the homes this country needs, particularly affordable housing. We look forward to working with Government to ensure housing associations are given the tools to deliver on their ambition and build the homes this country desperately needs.”
The Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill paves the way for powers over housing, transport, planning and policing to be devolved to England's cities as part of government plans for "a balanced economic recovery".
Cities that want them will be able to have elected mayors. Chancellor George Osborne has said previously that Greater Manchester - which will take on the powers when electing a mayor in two years - should become a blueprint for other large cities.
