Agenda item

Nick Porter, Senior Adviser at the LGA, presented the Housing Update report which updated the Board on the progress and sought Members views on next steps.  In doing so he expressed disappointment, that despite LGA lobbying, so far it had not resulted in much traction with Government.

During the subsequent discussion the following points were raised:

·         In discussing the LGA’s lobbying strategy, Members commented that it was important that the LGA be seen to be vocal on the issues raised in the update.  It was agreed that the best way to influence government would be by focusing on select issues which the sector could work with Government on to offer a solution, and would therefore most likely to have traction.

·         In sharing experiences from their localities of the different  challenges authorities’ face in term of meeting housing demand and supply, Members emphasised the importance that these geographical differences be acknowledged and that there is ‘one size fits all’ solution.  

·         In discussing current housing shortage and the potential impact of the Government’s proposals, serious concerns were expressed, particularly relating to: the combined lack of skills, shortage of materials and in some areas shortage of available land;  the financial sustainability of councils’ Housing Revenue Account as a result of the reduction of social rents by 1%; the social, economic and financial impact of the extension of Right to Buy to housing associations resulting in a loss of affordable housing stock; private sector ‘land banking’ practices; and the impact of public opinion and the role of planning authorities’ beyond councils. 

·         With reference to the erroneous perception that councils’ approach to planning permission was a key restrain on housing growth, Members emphasised the importance of developing a robust evidence base that demonstrated the multifaceted nature of the barriers to house building that were restraining local authority, particularly around Government policy and developers’ practices.

·         The Chair suggested organising a meeting with the minister to discuss the sector’s concerns and work jointly with Government to deliver a mutually beneficial solution.  This meeting would allow the views of local authorities to be represented and to show the authorities that the LGA is protecting its councils.

·         In discussing the voluntary agreement between the Government and the National Housing Federation (NHF), several concerns were raised about impact on councils that had business plans in place and the circumventing of Parliamentary scrutiny.  It was suggested that the LGA consult local authorities that had previously been part of the LGA’s HRA sounding board and that a meeting between the Board Lead members and the Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation be arranged to as to develop a more aligned working relationship going forward.

·         Another member drew the Board’s attention to the fact that there is a large audience of people working on creative solutions to the issues raised in the update and that the EEHT Board should be helping both government and the civil service in creating new ideas. 

Decision

That the Board agreed:

·      that its comments inform the LGA’s policy position and the next steps for influencing the forthcoming Housing Bill and the current Welfare Reform and Work Bill;

·      that a meeting between Members and the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Brandon Lewis MP be arranged; and

·      and that a meeting between Members and with the Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, David Orr, be organised.

Action

·         Meeting with the minister and the Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation to be organised by officers.