Agenda item

The Chairman opened the meeting, welcomed members and introduced guest speakers. 

Terrie Alafat, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute for Housing, informed members that the Institute were convening roundtables with local authorities and housing associations to discuss working together to address the growing pressure for housing, particularly in the wake of increasing consumer concern with the shortage. She discussed problems with current housing policy, and the past focus on economic growth. She emphasised that a long term strategy to address the problem would be needed, which considered the effects of the economic downturn, complications resulting from a long term undersupply, and issues such as ageing and homelessness. The private sector would be unable to deliver the houses needed alone, and local government could play a role in addressing the problem.

Hugh Ellis, Interim Chief Executive of the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), discussed planning and its function for place making, suggesting that it could be part of the solution to the housing crisis. He advised members of the new communities group the TCPA were running to look at delivery models and emphasised that the private sector could not fill the demand for housing alone. He highlighted the success of early new towns (such as Milton Keynes), and suggested that a new locally led model for towns was needed.

Emma Maier, Editor of Inside Housing, highlighted gaps in development and suggested that local authorities could play a major role in meeting demand for housing. She discussed a number of issues, including the greenbelt, land banking, planning consent, land contamination and problems with infrastructure which required solutions before building could begin. She highlighted the problem caused by uncertainty on whether local government could play a role in delivering housing, and that there was a variance of opinion in the sector on the way forward. Clear leadership could address this problem. 

The floor was opened up for questions:

·         As the build out rate in some areas was only 10%, members asked how to achieve the remaining 90% within a limited timeframe.

·         Members highlighted problems with housing in unaffordable areas of London and the government’s focus on the free market.

·         Members agreed that local government would need to be involved in building in order to create the volume of housing needed. There was a discussion on how to capture uplift in land value.

·         It was emphasised that reliance on Registered Social Landlords had been problematic, since RSLs only managed stock but did not build. It was felt local government had a role to play in delivering housing, and it would be beneficial if authorities could borrow against existing housing stock to assist them with this.

·         The demands of an ageing population and the impact this would have on housing was discussed. Increasing pressure on hospitals and care homes meant that many would need to be cared for at home in the future. It was suggested existing housing stock should be adapted to provide for this.

·         It was emphasised that new responsibilities delegated to local government would need to be funded.

The debate was closed.