LGA responds to government housing announcement

“We have been clear all along that algorithms and formulas can never be a substitute for local knowledge and decision-making by councils and communities who know their areas best."


Responding to the announcement by the Housing Secretary of how the Government plans to deliver new homes, Cllr David Renard, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, said:

“We are pleased the Government has acted on the LGA and councils’ concerns about its proposed updates to the housing formula.

“We have been clear all along that algorithms and formulas can never be a substitute for local knowledge and decision-making by councils and communities who know their areas best.

“It is good to see that future government investment will support the building of new homes, where they are needed.

“It is right that councils should have access to funding to support their ambitions, as they are in the best position to determine local housing need, instead of this being prescribed centrally.

“This should include reform to Right to Buy so councils can keep receipts in full and set discounts locally, enabling them to provide the housing communities need, supported by the required services and infrastructure.

“With council housing waiting lists set to potentially nearly double next year, we need to let councils embark on an ambitious post-pandemic building boom of 100,000 social homes for rent a year, which as well as reducing homelessness would also deliver a £14.5 billion boost to the economy.

“The extra funding for brownfield development announced at the Spending Review is positive. The LGA is working with the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, through the One Public Estate programme, to ensure councils are supported to use this funding to best address their local needs.”