Mark Whitehead 02 July 2019

District councils building more homes thanks to scrapping of HRA borrowing cap

More homes are being built because of the Government lifting a cap on how much councils can spend, according to a new report.

A survey by the District Councils’ Network (DCN) and the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) shows a third of districts which already have housing are planning to build more.

The two organisations say the remaining two-thirds are beginning to embark on plans to increase the supply of new homes, but they need more powers and resources.

They say districts need support from Government agencies to speed up development and local control of discount levels and the time they are allowed to keep cash gained by selling houses under the Right to Buy scheme.

DCN chairman Cllr John Fuller said: 'All councils just want to get on and build homes people need.

'Stock holding authorities have had a head start in getting back into the housebuilding industry.

‘HRA [Housing Revenue Account] freedoms are a welcome start but the Government needs to allow us to go further.

'It must reform Right to Buy, implement a streamlined Compulsory Purchase Order process, introduce step-in rights to intervene on stalled proposals, and release housing infrastructure funding to enable all areas to contribute to getting a roof over everyone's head.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner