We are calling on Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP to commit to long-term funding for affordable housing in the upcoming Spending Review.
This includes the need for bold, long-term reforms rather than short-term fixes to tackle the housing crisis which has left over 150,000 people on housing waiting lists across Yorkshire.
The Spending Review will set out the Government’s spending priorities for the next three years. And as part of the development process, we've supported a joint submission to the Treasury’s open portal calling for representations to stakeholders on what should be considered.
Our joint submission marks the first time that seven housing partnerships in devolved regions across Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, alongside Homes for the South West, have come together in a united call for action.
Together, members of these groups own and manage 1.7 million homes.
Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Housing, said: "The time for short-term thinking is over. A bold, long-term vision with certainty of funding is the only way the social housing sector can build at the scale needed to support the Government in achieving its 1.5 million homes target.
“The changes we’re calling for demand decisive action. But that’s exactly what’s needed to tackle the housing crisis which is forcing millions of households into impossible decisions as they struggle to find safe, secure and affordable homes.
“Our proposals will help tackle the crisis by delivering more homes, improving existing ones, and supporting sustained economic growth through the creation of thousands of jobs.”
Our broader policy asks
The submission sets out how long-term certainty of funding is the only way the social housing sector can build at the scale needed to support the Government in achieving its 1.5 million homes target.
The reclassification of housing investment as infrastructure spend would deliver this long-term certainty by putting an end to stop-start funding cycles which have stifled housebuilding and economic growth for decades.
As well as building new homes, we are calling for the renewal of existing towns to breathe life back into communities, create jobs and support local economic growth.
We have also proposed two clear funding pots to simplify and accelerate housing investment – one for new housebuilding and another for improving existing homes.
The housing crisis in focus
Our submission comes at a crucial time as the Government prepares to set out its spending priorities for the coming years. It also comes as average house prices and private rents in Yorkshire and the Humber have increased by more than 5% over the last 12 months.
Homelessness is also on the rise, with 8,597 people - including 3,350 children - classed as homeless in our region.
With housing demand soaring, costs rising, and the climate crisis requiring urgent action, we are urging ministers to seize this opportunity and work with the sector to build a housing strategy that delivers for people and communities, as well as the economy.
Read the submission in full here.