Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Twenty-Ninth Report - The Affordable Homes Programme since 2015
Public Accounts Committee
HC 684
Published 7 December 2022
Conclusions (4)
11
Conclusion
Not Addressed
We asked the Department about the number of homes designated for social rent, given social rent is the most affordable for tenants; and the type of tenure most needed. We stressed the human impact that a lack of homes for social rent has. A lack of homes forces people to …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for Social Rent homes and mentions existing policies, but disagrees with the recommendation to assess demand.
13
Conclusion
Not Addressed
We asked the Department about the potential impact of the proposed cap on social rents that it is currently consulting on. The rent cap could prevent housing providers from increasing rents by CPI + 1%, as envisaged.35 Business LDN warn that the Government’s proposed rent cap will leave housing providers …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for Social Rent homes and mentions existing policies, but disagrees with the recommendation to assess demand.
18
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The Department did not set out to use the Programme to advance the government’s net zero objectives. The Department and Homes England did not include any specific targets around net-zero for the 2021 programme. Instead, housing providers must comply with existing and future environmental standards set out in the planning …
Government Response Summary
The government will explore the cost and deliverability of additional net zero requirements for a successor programme, while noting existing steps taken in the 2021 programme.
20
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The National Audit Office found that neither the Department nor Homes England modelled the potential costs of needing to retrofit homes built under the 2021 programme, to meet net zero standards.50 The Department said that the future homes standard, when it is introduced from 2025, will mean that homes after …
Government Response Summary
The government will explore the cost and deliverability of additional net zero requirements for a successor programme, while noting existing steps taken in the 2021 programme.