affordablehousingnews
Drastic fall in London social housing starts
Recent figures from the Greater London Authority (GLA) show that the number of social housing starts in London has fallen drastically, from 11,329 in 2010/11 to 1,672 the following year. London Assembly Labour Group Leader Len Duvall said: “These figures confirm that we are witnessing the death of truly affordable housing in London. With over 360,000 households on council waiting lists, huge overcrowding problems and a cost of living crisis hitting families and the vulnerable, Boris Johnson’s record is a complete disgrace. To afford the government’s new 80% ‘affordable’ rents a family would need to earn £100,000 a year in parts of London, like Camden. That doesn’t seem overly affordable to me.”
“It is staggering that the number of social housing starts has collapsed to this extent, at a time when Londoners on modest incomes are really struggling. We are seeing a crisis at all levels of the housing market, whether you are trying to buy or rent, and Boris is making things worse. Boris says he will give no money to build new social rented housing. He is also trying to use the planning system to block London’s 32 borough councils from finding ways of delivering new social-rented housing themselves. This is a direct assault on local democracy. Instead, he is forcing rents of up to 80% of the local market rate on new so-called “affordable” housing, which in many parts of London is beyond the means of those who need the homes,” he added.
Second round of NHT to provide 1,000 homes in Scotland
The Scottish government has secured deals with developers to provide more than 1,000 homes through the second round of the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative.
Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that 13 developers across ten council areas have signed up to the second round of the NHT, which enables developers and councils to jointly fund new homes which are made available for rent at below-market rates for up to ten years, with the Scottish government providing guarantees for the cost of the development. “A vibrant, expanding housing sector can stimulate economic growth by protecting and creating jobs, and supporting regeneration. We are investing in as many high quality homes as possible, and building them as quickly as possible with the funds available. The NHT model breaks new ground by helping to increase the supply of affordable homes in many parts of the country at very little cost to the taxpayer,” said Sturgeon.
Guinness in East Anglia stock transfer
The Guinness Partnership has transferred 531 homes to four smaller local housing associations in East Anglia in a £32m deal. Flagship Housing Group has bought 229 homes across five local authority areas, the Longhurst Group’s Longhurst & Havelok arm has bought 169 in Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Cotman Housing Association – a subsidiary of Places For People – has acquired 113 homes in Norwich and south Norfolk and Axiom
Housing Association has taken on 20 homes in Fenland. Simon Dow, chief executive at Guinness, said: “The transfer of this stock to the four new landlords has been a positive experience for all involved, especially the residents who have been closely involved in the selection process. We consider the completion of the programme within the timescale has been a real achievement and are delighted with the outcome.”
Stride elected CIH vice president
Steve Stride, the chief executive of east London housing association Poplar HARCA, has been elected vice president of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), and is expected to go on and take up the presidency in 2014. He defeated Hounslow Homes board chair Martyn Kingsford in a ballot of CIH members. Stride said: “I'm grateful to all the CIH members who voted, and delighted to be their new vice president. I have learnt a lot as a result of the campaign and contact with members about what is important to them. I’m joining a fantastic team at CIH and am looking forward to getting started. A huge thank you to everyone who supported me.” CIH chief executive Grainia Long said: “I’d like to congratulate Steve and thank Martyn. Our vice president needs to be an effective leader for the housing profession, an ambassador for our organisation and an inspiration to our members and the wider industry – it’s a big ask but I know Steve is up to the job. He will play a vital role in helping us harness the collective skills, expertise and energy of our membership, something which has never been more important as our industry faces some of its toughest challenges to date.”
100| May 2013 showhouse
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