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

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner