The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
“The LGA has long called for councils to be given greater freedom to borrow to build new homes and today’s Budget has taken a step towards that by lifting the housing borrowing cap for some councils. This is an important recognition of our argument about the vital role that councils must play to boost homes for local families in need and solve our housing crisis.
“There are other measures in the Budget that will make a difference, especially more funding for Land Assembly, the Housing Infrastructure Fund and for SME builders. These are all measures councils have been making a case for.
“Plan
The average house price in England is now almost eight times the average wage, sparking a call from councils to be allowed to invest significantly in house building.
“Our residents are clear – new homes in their communities have to be affordable, high-quality, and supported by adequate infrastructure and sustainable local services."
“Homelessness is a tragedy, as a settled home is crucial to health and wellbeing for individuals and families, and is a central cornerstone of successful communities."
The number of specialist homes for older people will need to increase by 400,000 units in less than 20 years as a result of our ageing population, new analysis by the Local Government Association reveals today.
The average new home in England will have to last 2,000 years if the sluggish rate of house building and replacement continues, the Local Government Association warns today.
Nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of private renters in England never expect to buy their own property because they won’t be able to afford one, as councils warn of the nation's growing "home-owning hopelessness".
The Government has today launched a £54 million package to transform local communities and release land for thousands of new homes. This comes as part of a new cross-government partnership to make smarter use of government-owned property.