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TCPA: majority of councils believe affordable housing need is severe
The majority of councils have said there is a “severe” need for affordable housing in their area, a survey by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) has revealed.
The TCPA found 63% of the 152 councils to respond to the survey said the need for affordable housing is “severe”, while 36% said there is a “moderate” need.
The survey was sent to senior staff at every council in the UK.
Only 24% of the councils to respond to the survey were directly delivering new homes. The vast majority of affordable housing delivery came through Section 106 agreements. However, 70% of councils are considering setting up a housing company, either as a joint venture or a wholly owned arm of the council.
Councils are also starting to consider building private rented sector homes, with 46% looking at the possibility.
The TCPA has called on the next government to build more social rented housing, exempt council housing companies and build-to-rent properties from the Right to Buy, and ensure the definition of affordable housing is based on income.
Kate Henderson, chief executive of the TCPA, said: “Our research reveals that Britain is facing an acute housing crisis, with councils across the country increasingly unable to meet the need for affordable housing.
“The incoming government must make tackling the housing crisis a priority. An ambition to increase housing numbers is not enough, we need to ensure that the homes that are built are affordable and well designed.”
