Here at Church Homeless Charity, we understand the importance of a safe and secure home. It’s the bedrock upon which individuals and families can build their lives, find stability, and contribute to their communities. That’s why we welcome the recent announcement from HM Treasury regarding a significant new investment in social housing.
A £2 billion pledge
The government has pledged a £2 billion injection of new grant funding to deliver up to 18,000 new social housing and affordable homes. This landmark announcement, part of the government’s “Plan for Change,” signifies a commitment to tackling the housing crisis and providing security for working people.
As the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, stated:
“Everyone deserves to have a safe and secure roof over their heads and a place to call their own, but the reality is that far too many people have been frozen out of homeownership or denied the chance to rent a home they can afford thanks to the housing crisis we’ve inherited.”
This new investment aims to address this issue, offering a vital lifeline to those struggling to find suitable and affordable accommodation.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, highlighted the broader impact, stating:
“We are fixing the housing crisis in this country with the biggest boost in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. Today’s announcement will help drive growth through our Plan for Change by delivering up to 18,000 new homes, as well as jobs and opportunities, getting more money into working people’s pockets.”
Construction will start by March 2027
This funding is intended to support developments that can be delivered within the current Parliament, with construction starting by March 2027 and completion by June 2029. The government is actively encouraging providers to come forward with projects, particularly in areas like Manchester and Liverpool, where the need for affordable housing is acute.
Kate Henderson, Chief Executive at the National Housing Federation, rightly points out:
“Social housing is the only secure and affordable housing for families on low incomes, and the dire shortage has led to rocketing rates of poverty, overcrowding and homelessness. Investment in social housing is not only key to tackling the housing crisis, but is also excellent value for money, reducing government spending on benefits, health, and homelessness as well as boosting growth.”
We wholeheartedly agree with this assessment and believe this investment is a crucial step in the right direction.
This £2 billion commitment is described as a “down payment” ahead of more long-term investments planned later this year. While this initial funding is hugely welcome, sustained and long-term commitment will be essential to truly address the scale of the housing crisis and its devastating impact on homelessness.
“This significant investment in social and affordable housing offers a vital glimmer of hope for the countless individuals and families we support who are desperately seeking a safe and stable place to call home. While this is a welcome step, we must ensure this momentum continues with sustained, long-term commitment to truly tackle the root causes of homelessness and build a society where everyone has the security of a roof over their head.”
Miriam Morris, CEO, Church Homelessness Charity
Want to learn more?
This blog post offers just a glimpse into this significant announcement on the investment in social housing. For a more in-depth understanding of the government’s plans and the details of this new investment. You can read the full article on the government website here
You can learn more about temporary housing and its impact on individuals and families and better understand why it is so crucial for everyone to have a safe, secure, and permanent home.
At Church Homelessness Charity, we will continue to monitor these developments closely. We believe that by working together, we can create a society where no one has to face the hardship of homelessness.