Agenda item

Nick Porter introduced the report on Housing affordability. The report explored the current affordability of housing, its impact, and the policy solutions. Nick reported on the challenges around affordability and what the report means about affordability. Nick highlighted the positive work that had already been carried out. The report made a series of recommendations for the LGA to continue advancing the case for ensuring the provision of affordable housing

Members commented

Work on Housing affordabilityneeds to be local, household income is different across the England and Wales. There can be extreme differences from household income outside of London. LGA policy is seen as too London-centric.

London living rent does not mean affordable housing is accessible for everyone. Young people under 25 are affected with fewer streams for access to affordable housing.

Members highlighted part of the report where the government in the 1980s invested 80 per cent in building new homes, 20 per cent on supporting families to meeting housing costs. Housing feels very far away from that spending now.

Councils can become a social landlord and drive up local standards. Currently holiday accommodation is being used for emergency housing, with housing benefit being spent on poor and unsuitable placements.

The link between the housing crisis and the economy should be highlighted in LGA housing policy.