Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 34
34
Accepted
MHCLG unable to commit to specific social housing targets for forthcoming strategy
Recommendation
We asked whether the strategy would also include clear targets for the number of social housing units that would need to be built. MHCLG explained that it could not make a commitment about the content of a strategy that is ultimately for ministers to decide upon. But it suggested that ministers were committed to social housing, and stressed that money was already being directed to the affordable homes programme.49 Oversight of the supported housing sector
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to publish a housing strategy after the Spending Review 2025, which will include actions to build 1.5 million homes and increase affordable housing, with Homes England designing a new Affordable Homes Programme with updated targets.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: after Spending Review 2025 6.2 In 2023-24 Homes England exceeded their housing delivery targets by enabling the completion of 32,320 homes against a target of 29,641, facilitating the start of construction for an additional 35,676 homes against a target of 32,967 and unlocked land that is capable of delivering 26,273 further homes against a target of 25,788. 6.3 In terms of affordable housing, Homes England had a target of 19,500 completions in 2023-24 but exceeded this by achieving 22,115 completions. Homes England are currently working with MHCLG officials to design the new AHP programme with new targets set to match the government’s ambition and reflect current market conditions. 6.4 MHCLG will publish a housing strategy which will set out a long-term vision for a housing market that works for communities, builds 1.5 million high-quality homes, and the biggest increase in affordable housing for a generation. It will include the actions that government will take to reach this vision, building on the announcements already made, and providing long-term certainty for the market.