Lack of funding threatens 2010 goal

Giving evidence to the Communities and Local Government select committee, representatives from the Chartered Institute of Housing and Tenants’ and Residents’ Organisations of England warned that social landlords are struggling to meet basic standards.

In its annual report last April, CLG classed 18 per cent of homes as non-decent but predicted that 95 per cent of social housing would meet decent homes standards by 2010. Since then, funding has been deferred for ALMOs yet to receive two stars.

Sarah Webb, chief executive of the CIH, said: ‘We are concerned about arm’s-length management organisations in the latter rounds which have had their funding delayed beyond 2010. Ms Webb added that there are gap-funded stock transfers which expected to receive funding but have not and that some councils plan to carry out work beyond 2010.

In its evidence to the committee, TAROE said it was worried about the effect funding deferral will have on tenants. ‘In such situations, tenant expectations have been raised.’

Both bodies argued a second tier of decent homes work should follow the 2010 deadline, focusing on energy efficiency and fuel poverty. The Existing Homes Alliance estimates this would cost £1 billion a year to 2050.

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