Dan Peters 17 November 2016

Give councils more freedom on housing decisions says think tank

Councils should be given the freedom to decide how and where new housing can be delivered, a think tank has argued.

A report from Localis said the Government would only be able to meet its one million new homes target by 2020 by giving local authorities greater flexibility around finance and land.

It called for Right to Buy receipts to be fully retained locally, providing councils with greater financial capacity to invest in replacing disposed stock.

Localis also demanded the lifting of the Housing Revenue Account debt cap.

Chief executive of Localis, Liam Booth-Smith, said: ‘The new elected city mayors present government with an opportunity to devolve more powers over housing and loosen the leash on finance.

'With a housing white paper coming soon this is a relatively simple win for government.

'If the prime minister wishes to build a million new homes by 2020 then local government needs more flexibility.’

#Housing #Right to Buy #Think tank

Cyber crisis management

Richard Stephenson outlines cybersecurity issues to be aware of during the pandemic and how to minimize risk.

Ensuring continuity of care in a time of crisis

Julie Tyas discusses how tech is becoming the eyes and ears of social workers during the pandemic.

Most Popular News

Report suggests a new tax for people living near to public parks

Councils decide against re-opening schools

Unite expected to urge council pay offer rejection

Councils call for £5bn 'income guarantee'

Council workers offered a 2.75% pay rise

Products

NEW PRODUCTS: Encouraging social distancing with Forbo's new Coral entrance mats

CASE STUDIES: Liverpool supporting vulnerable citizens with Community Helper platform

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS: PPP Taking Care becomes the first and only Which? Approved Personal Alarm Service

Principal Flood Risk Officer

£42,683-£46,566

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Floor Risk Officer Lancashire

Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Duke of Edinburgh Youth Support Worker

£14597.0 - £19106.0 per month

Please note this is a part time contract - annualised hours 106 per year. Therefore the actual salary range is from £995.44 up to £1049.79 per annum. England, Essex, Harlow

Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Internal Audit

Up to £97,000 + benefits

We now have an exciting opportunity to strengthen and shape our Audit function, as... Maidstone, Kent

Recuriter: Kent County Council

Director of Children’s Services

circa £120,000

This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who wants to make a real difference to the children, young people and families of our Borough. St Helens, Merseyside

Recuriter: St. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council

Assistant Director, Social Care & Public Health Commissioning

c£71,000 to £89,000 per annum

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Commissioning you will lead Commissioning in the context of a developing Integrated Care System. Bolton, Greater Manchester

Recuriter: Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

Public Property

This issue of Public Property examines how how flexible workspaces can lead the way in regeneration for local authorities, Why local authority intervention is key to successful urban regeneration schemes and if the Government’s challenge of embracing beauty is an opportunity for communities.

The March issue also takes a closer look at Blackburn with Darwen Council's first digital health hub to help people gain control over health and care services.