NHF response to today's social housing announcements

Responding to today's announcement by the government, Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation said:

“The government’s announcements today put in place the building blocks needed to deliver a decade of social housing renewal. The scale of the ambition is clear, and it’s enormously welcome to see that 60% of the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme will be for social rent, offering real hope to those at the sharp end of the housing crisis. 

“Alongside the most ambitious funding package we’ve seen in decades, we are pleased the government is consulting on how to implement rent convergence. Historic differences in rent levels severely impact housing associations’ financial capacity to both invest in improving existing homes and to build new homes.  

“We also welcome the clarity on new requirements for housing associations’ homes and a long-needed update to decency and energy efficiency standards, as well as on the new competence and conduct standard. The quality and safety of residents’ homes is housing associations’ top priority, and the sector is spending record sums on repairs, improvements and maintenance to drive up standards.

“Housing associations are guided by their social purpose, and the details announced today will make a profound difference to both existing residents as well as those in need of a social home. With more than 165,000 children living in temporary accommodation, these announcements couldn’t have come at a more urgent time. We stand ready to deliver on this ambitious plan and will work in partnership with the government on the detail of these proposals to ensure that our sector has the financial confidence to deliver on this decade of growth and renewal.”