Over 100 council landlords have joined forces and published a report, outlining solutions for the new Labour government to support the council housing sector.
The ‘Securing the Future of Council Housing’ joint report, commissioned by Southwark Council and signed by over 100 councils — including City of London, Cambridge City Council, Blackpool Council, New Forest District Council and many more — comprises an overview of the current council housing system, as well as five solutions to fix and improve council housing.
The five solutions set out detailed and practical recommendations to the new government include:
• a new fair and sustainable HRA model — including an urgent £644m one-off rescue injection, as well as long-term, certain rent and debt agreements
• reforms to unsustainable Right to Buy policies by reducing discount levels and eligibility, as well as protecting newly build council homes from sale
• removing red tape on existing funding
• a new, long-term Green and Decent Homes Programme to bring all council housing up to the new standard of safety, decency and energy efficiency by 2030
• urgent action to restart stalled building projects, avoiding the loss of construction sector capacity and a market downturn
They make up a plan for a 'decade of renewal', with local authorities and central government working together to get 'Housing Revenue Accounts' (HRAs) back on stable foundations, bring all homes up to modern and green standards, and deliver the next generation of council homes.
“Council homes transform lives, they provide a foundation for a good life for millions of people who would otherwise be locked out of having a decent, affordable home — however, today our national council housing finances stand on the brink,” cllr Kieron Williams, leader of Southwark Council wrote in the report.
“There is no one silver bullet — ending this crisis will take a decade of renewal, starting with the kind of emergency action the government has already started to take this year, followed by sustained investment.
“The prize is more than worth it; council homes are so much more than bricks and mortar, they are a cornerstone of better health, education, economic growth and environment, and by investing in them together, we can transform millions of lives for the better.”
Jill Cleary, cllr for New Forest District Council, commented: "I am proud that New Forest District Council is one of the signatories on this important housing report being presented to the new government.
“By joining together with other council landlords, we are highlighting the importance of providing suitable and sustainable council housing that meets the needs of our residents.”
South Cambridgeshire District Council's lead cabinet member for housing, cllr John Batchelor, added: "Bringing forward more homes that are affordable for people to live in has been our focus for many years, and council homes are a crucial part of that.
“They are much more than just bricks and mortar; they need to be high-quality and energy-efficient, in places where people feel safe, and communities thrive — that's why it is so important that the right funding is in place to allow councils up and down the country to continue being able to provide them.
“We're pleased to support this report and really hope it helps to secure the future of council housing nationally."
