Pre-election insights for social housing
Our social housing specialists consider the future for social housing following the publication of all party manifestos.
Registered providers of social housing are struggling to deliver new schemes, despite many councils reporting record levels of demand for affordable homes and supported living accommodation. In the meantime, the problem of ageing housing stock, which is in urgent need of repair or redevelopment is worsening. The sector urgently needs a period of economic stability to support providers in planning and investing for the long term.
Jonathan Cox, partner and head of social housing
It is clear that funding (or the lack of it) is only part of the problem. Economic and public policy must demonstrate real understanding of the issues that providers are experiencing. This can be achieved through a combination of fiscal incentives, more planning reform and a rethink of the current approach to regulatory control, which is excessive and debilitating. It requires a government that will listen and support the sector by putting in place a coherent pathway to a better future.
After many years of austerity and a lack of investment in housing, the High Street and the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities, we urgently need a government that will invest in vital infrastructure. The next Government needs to create a more stable financial environment that gives investors the certainty and confidence they need to back ‘UK plc’ for the long term and reward them to finance social impact and sustainable ‘places’.
Jon Coane, partner and head of funding
A central part of Labour’s plan for a renters’ charter is the commitment to abolish section 21 “no fault” eviction notices, with no planned alternative. Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the Labour party and shadow housing secretary, recently stated that the party “will scrap section 21 on their first day in office”. The party also aims to “close loopholes that disreputable landlords might use to exploit tenants”.
The Labour party has also committed to “get Britain building again”, promising the construction of 1.5 million new homes within the first five years of a Labour Government through changes in planning law and the use of “grey belt” land.
Other proposals from Labour include ending automatic evictions for rent arrears, introducing four-month notice period for landlords, making tenancy deposits more portable so it is easier and cheaper for tenants to switch properties, allowing renters to have pets and allowing “reasonable” alterations to a property.
Suzanne Gregson, partner and head of housing litigation