Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
5
Conclusion
3rd Report: Building more social housing
Acknowledged
We agree with the Public Accounts Committee that the Government missed a crucial opportunity to alleviate the housing crisis through its disposal of public land. While we understand the constraints around managing public money, it is nonetheless short-sighted to sell public land to the highest bidder when social housing providers …
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We agree with the Public Accounts Committee that the Government missed a crucial opportunity to alleviate the housing crisis through its disposal of public land. While we understand the constraints around managing public money, it is nonetheless short-sighted to sell public land to the highest bidder when social housing providers struggle with the cost of land. The programme has not addressed the housing shortage nor the social housing shortage. (Paragraph 44) Building more social housing 53
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the housing shortage and its commitment to increasing home supply, outlining planning reforms and a new cross-government strategy to manage and release public land for better use, including home building.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
6
Recommendation
3rd Report: Building more social housing
Acknowledged
The Government’s public land disposal strategy needs a wholesale re-design, not more of the same. We recommend the Government thinks less about disposal, and more about assembly. Homes England should take a central role in co-ordinating public land to be used for social housing, by being tasked with identifying suitable …
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The Government’s public land disposal strategy needs a wholesale re-design, not more of the same. We recommend the Government thinks less about disposal, and more about assembly. Homes England should take a central role in co-ordinating public land to be used for social housing, by being tasked with identifying suitable land, including a joined-up approach with land owned by local authorities, as well as purchasing private land suitable for social housing. With our suggested reforms to the Land Compensation Act 1961, this land would be easier to purchase and more affordable. (Paragraph 45) Increasing social housing supply
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines its efforts to increase overall housing delivery through planning reforms and a new cross-Government strategy for public sector land release, but does not commit to Homes England taking a central role in coordinating land specifically for social housing or to reforming the …
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
15
Conclusion
3rd Report: Building more social housing
Acknowledged
We estimate that land value reform could reduce the cost of the programme by up to 40 per cent. By building more social housing on Government-owned public land, the overall cost of the programme could be further reduced. Some of the money could also be redistributed from existing budgets within …
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We estimate that land value reform could reduce the cost of the programme by up to 40 per cent. By building more social housing on Government-owned public land, the overall cost of the programme could be further reduced. Some of the money could also be redistributed from existing budgets within the Department, and the rest could be borrowed while interest rates are historically low. While the overall savings gained from the long-term reduction in the housing benefit bill are difficult to quantify, it is clear that, over time, as the programme delivers social rent homes, the Government could use savings in housing benefit to subsidise the programme. Therefore, although there are many factors that might impact the overall cost of the programme, it is unlikely to cost £10 billion in extra spending.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the need to increase housing supply and outlined its commitment to a £12bn investment in affordable housing, including a new £11.5bn Affordable Homes Programme to deliver up to 180,000 homes, with half designated for Affordable and Social Rent.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
18
Recommendation
3rd Report: Building more social housing
Acknowledged
Permitted development rights can be a route to provide fast and cost-effective housing, but given that the Government is aware of concerns around their use, it should publish its review as soon as possible. We remain concerned about the lack of affordable housing obligations and lack of safeguards for quality. …
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Permitted development rights can be a route to provide fast and cost-effective housing, but given that the Government is aware of concerns around their use, it should publish its review as soon as possible. We remain concerned about the lack of affordable housing obligations and lack of safeguards for quality. Without reforms, it is likely the planned expansion will further reduce the delivery of social housing through the planning system.
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Government response AI summary
While the government states 'Accept' and acknowledges concerns regarding permitted development rights (PDRs), it only states that it is 'considering the findings of the review' and carefully reviewing PDRs as part of wider planning reforms, without committing to publishing the review as soon as possible.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
20
Conclusion
3rd Report: Building more social housing
Acknowledged
We are mindful that the Government expects to implement substantial changes to the planning system in the near future. We will continue to monitor the impact of these changes on social housing supply, as well as scrutinising the reforms more generally. (Paragraph 110) Right to Buy
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We are mindful that the Government expects to implement substantial changes to the planning system in the near future. We will continue to monitor the impact of these changes on social housing supply, as well as scrutinising the reforms more generally. (Paragraph 110) Right to Buy
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Government response AI summary
The government states it 'accepts' the observation, recognising concerns around permitted development rights and confirming it will continue to monitor their impact as part of wider planning reforms.
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Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government