NHC responds to £300m Affordable Homes Programme top up announcement

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The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) has welcomed the £300m Affordable Homes Programme top announcement but flagged the urgent need for a new longer-term fund.

Chief Executive of the Northern Housing Consortium Tracy Harrison said:

“Many of our members have reported that the £500m top up announced in the Autumn Budget was running out, so this extra £300m of funding is welcome news. With housing waiting lists growing fast in the North and over 12,000 households living in temporary accommodation we desperately need more social housing.

“However, we need a longer-term affordable homes programme to be announced as soon as possible, ideally as part of Chancellor’s statement on 26th March. The affordable housing development process is complex, and our members say it normally takes two to three years from obtaining a grant agreement from Homes England to completing a development. The lack funding certainty over the next few months risks identified sites not being progressed and puts government housebuilding targets at risk.”

The government announcement also features plans to:

  • £50 million increase to the Local Authority Housing Fund to provide homes for those in need of better-quality temporary accommodation.
  • Crack down on exploitative behaviour by rogue and criminal supported housing landlords – further details are expected shortly.