Mark Whitehead 04 October 2018

Council chiefs welcome decision to scrap borrowing cap

Local government leaders have welcomed a move announced by prime minister Theresa May that the cap on council house building will be lifted.

Mrs May told the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham that she would get rid of the cap on what councils can borrow against their housing revenue account assets to build new homes.

Lord Porter, chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA), welcomed the 'fantastic' announcement and said councils would look forward to building the homes people need.

Adam Lent, director of the New Local Government Network, said the move must be made quickly to tackle the serious crises affecting housing and council finances.

Mrs May told the conference the cap will be lifted 'as soon as possible', with further details confirmed in the Budget.

She said: 'Solving the housing crisis is the biggest domestic policy challenge of our generation.

'We cannot make the case for capitalism if ordinary working people have no chance of owning capital.'

Lord Porter said: 'It is fantastic that the Government has accepted our long-standing call to scrap the housing borrowing cap.

'We look forward to working with councils and the Government to build those good quality affordable new homes and infrastructure that everyone in our communities need.'

Mr Lent said: 'There is only so much uncertainty that both service users and those needing decent accommodation should be expected to endure, so clarity over the detail of these announcements is crucial.'

LGOF: Will it work? image

LGOF: Will it work?

Dr Jonathan Carr-West, LGIU, discusses the Local Government Outcomes Framework (LGOF), the latest instalment in the history of local government accountability.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Lawyer 1 - Litigation

Herefordshire Council
£39,513 - £43,693
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Litigation Lawyer to join our dedicated and friendly Litigation Team within Legal Services. Hereford, Herefordshire
Recuriter: Herefordshire Council

Part Time Senior Accountant (Job Share)

Ribble Valley Borough Council
PO6-9 (scp 36-39) £45,718 to £48,710 per annum pro rata
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the role of Senior Accountant. Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
There is an expectation that the post-holder will work from the Carlisle office for training on a regular basis. Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Grants Support Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band D, SCP 9 -17 (£26,409 - £30,060 per annum)
Are you passionate about making a difference to people’s lives and communities in Sandwell? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner