We're going to build affordable homes for the community
Wednesday, 6 February 2019
We're to set up our own company to ensure more affordable new homes are built in the area. The move aims to rectify a market shortfall, and was agreed by our Executive yesterday (5 February 2019).
Councillor Eugene Ghent, Executive Member for Assets and Housing Delivery, said: "Access to decent, affordable homes is fundamental to improving people’s lives and reducing their dependency on social support. We recognise that currently there is a lack of affordable homes available to rent. There’s also a shortage of homes for older people; of social housing for large families; and of accessible housing for those with disabilities or who need modified homes. We want to set this right.
"High levels of demand from these types of residents means that there aren’t enough affordable homes. The new venture will be able to create homes for a much wider range of residents by offering homes for rent and for sale. It will allow us to deliver the types of housing we need, where we need and when we need it.
"Being able to offer the right type of affordable housing in the right place can help prevent families from becoming homeless, as well as providing essential homes for key workers, such as nurses or teachers, or for young people."
We aim to build homes on land we own. The homes will fill the gaps in the market that aren’t being met locally by either private developers or by existing council-owned properties.
A forthcoming Housing Enabling Strategy report will provide us with information on where the housing market gaps are, and the scale, type and locations that residents need.