CIH welcomes government’s five point plan for social and affordable housing renewal

CIH has today (2 July) welcomed a series of new government announcements on social housing quality and delivery. 

The government has announced: 

• The establishment of a new Social and Affordable Homes Programme, which will succeed the current Affordable Homes Programme and prioritises the building of 60 per cent of homes for social rent. This programme will be the main way that the £39 billion announced for building of new social housing at the Spending Review will be delivered. 
• A confirmation of reforms to Right to Buy, which will significantly limit the loss of social housing through the policy. The reforms follow the conclusion of a consultation that was partly based on CIH’s recommendations, and which CIH responded to in detail, supporting the changes. 
• A consultation on implementing rent convergence, with options for how below-market rents will be allowed to rise in the coming years, which CIH called for in our consultation response and sector analysis in December.
• A consultation on reforms to the Decent Homes Standard, which includes the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards and a number of changes to improve resident safety. 

These announcements follow confirmation of the introduction of Awaab’s Law and electrical safety standards in the sector.

Responding to the announcements, CIH chief executive Gavin Smart said: 

“The announcements today show the government taking another step towards the renewal of social housing. 

“At last, changes confirmed today will see promising reform to the Right to Buy, and the prospective introduction of rent convergence will enable the sector to invest more in improving existing homes and building new ones. 

“The emphasis on building homes for social rent in the revamped Social and Affordable Homes Programme will ensure that the most affordable kind of housing is prioritised after years of uncertainty, and we look forward to working with colleagues in government and Homes England to support the finalisation of the programme.”

“In addition, reforms to the transformative Decent Homes Standard will ensure that every resident can live in a home that is safe, warm, and fit for modern living. We particularly welcome the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards and new requirements to improve safety.”  

“CIH has advocated for all of these reforms for several years, and the introduction of the government’s five step plan marks a turning point that places social housing at the centre of solving the housing crisis. Above all, they provide the sector with the clarity and certainty that will be the foundation for the next decade of delivery.” 

“As the professional body for housing, CIH will continue to work in partnership with the government to support the delivery of a mission it has never been clearer that we share: a safe, affordable home for everyone.”

In the coming weeks, CIH will be producing a series of briefings and undertaking other activities to inform our members about the changes to social housing policy.