Mike Brogan 31 January 2014

Confidence From the Continent

Housing associations across the UK are to receive a £500m cash injection from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in a move that intends to signify confidence in Britain’s commitment to creating more affordable housing, but is the answer found only in finance?

This additional funding promises to help deliver 4,300 new homes and is part of a wider Government scheme that aims to provide housing associations with secure private investment for the best rates – the Affordable Housing Guarantees Programme.

However, with a waiting list for social housing currently sat at two million, many would be forgiven for thinking this news is a mere drop in the residential ocean.

It has also been argued that the term ‘affordable’ is one which is relative and measures should be taken to establish exactly who can afford this housing.

Ultimately, finance is no use without permission to build and many housing associations are forced to negotiate their way through reams of red tape before being given the necessary rights to supply housing for the communities in which they are based.

Another key factor when striving to bridge the ever widening social housing gap is community buy-in.This is required to help housing associations establish exactly what is required and what tenants can realistically afford – so that said organisations can deliver against these proven needs.

While this latest development is definitely a step in the right direction, it remains only one step and there are many more to be made to truly get Britain building as our housing minister promised earlier this month.

Mike Brogan is chief executive of Re:allies and Procure Plus

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner