The £39bn new Social and Affordable Homes Programme is finally open. Now what?

The new SAHP is a game-changer, but we have long known that funding alone is not enough to reverse the chronic challenges that have stymied housing associations’ capacity to build.

That is why, following the Spending Review, the sector focused on demonstrating to the government how every decision on rents, welfare, grant rates, energy efficiency and regulation is interconnected, every choice has a knock-on effect. The only way to achieve our shared ambition of building a generation of new social homes is through a serious, long-term plan that addresses all aspects of social housing renewal.

“The five-step plan published by the government is a statement of faith in housing associations and in social housing more broadly”

Last month brought the full package of announcements we had been waiting for. This was the result of the sector coming together with one voice to negotiate a collective offer that balanced the need to build new homes with the necessary upgrades to the ones we already have.

The five-step plan published by the government is a statement of faith in housing associations and in social housing more broadly. For the first time in years, we have long-term rent certainty and convergence, as well as low-cost loans, to bolster our capacity to borrow and build. It gives us the greatest level of certainty we are likely to see.

Now bidding has opened, it is time to build on that confidence and deliver for people up and down the country who deserve an affordable place to call home.

I know from conversations I’ve had with our members that the overriding feeling is one of optimism, and real excitement about seeing our shared vision – of delivering homes for those most in need – finally become a reality. Housing associations are eager to see their bids evolve into great places to live and thriving communities that will stand the test of time.

Over the next 10 years, the SAHP will support the sector in delivering 300,000 of the most affordable and energy-efficient homes across towns, cities and villages nationwide. These homes will provide stability and security for families in desperate need, including the record number of homeless children living in temporary accommodation.

Social homes save the average household £5,000 a year compared to renting privately, making them one of the most effective ways to lift families out of poverty, while also creating thousands of skilled jobs and helping to grow the economy.

“We have the opportunity to demonstrate the difference housing associations... can make when they have the resources to fully deliver on their social purpose”

All that said, we know this transformation won’t happen overnight. Challenges remain, particular for our supported housing members, and the sector will need time to ramp up delivery to the scale needed. That’s why it is so encouraging to see the new Social Housing Joint Taskforce come to life, an idea we first proposed when Labour was still in opposition.

I am excited to see the Taskforce come forward soon and the opportunity this will provide to work alongside our partners in national and local government, and across the social housing sector, in a more formal capacity to steer progress, measure impact and remove the barriers we encounter as we deliver on this decade of renewal.

Over the next 10 years and more, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the difference housing associations – large and small, specialist and general needs, in rural and urban areas – can make when they have the resources to fully deliver on their social purpose. I know how deeply those working in social housing care about providing homes and building communities, and I know we have the resilience and dedication to succeed. 

I look forward to working with you all to make our vision a reality.

Kate Henderson, chief executive, National Housing Federation