Local authorities will now be able to access expert house building advice easily, as a new Housing Advisers Programme is unveiled.
The Local Government Association (LGA) launched the programme today in order to ‘encourage innovation amongst councils’ when it comes to development.
Last year, just over 160,000 homes were built, almost 90,000 less than the 250,000 homes a year it is estimated the country needs in order to meet the nation’s housing shortage.
The LGA has called on Whitehall to enable councils to build more good quality homes directly, and to plan and invest in infrastructure and services that ‘unlock housing and economic growth’.
However, in the meantime, the association says the programme, which funds the provision of an independent expert to advise councils, will be able to assist authorities in tackling the housing shortage.
‘There’s no substitute for central Government giving local authorities the tools they need to invest in the homes, of all type and tenure, which their communities desperately need,’ said Cllr Martin Tett, LGA housing spokesman.
‘However, councils need the best tools available to them to help build on the innovation in the sector.
‘The Housing Advisers Programme will be an essential aid to councils wanting some expertise to innovate, and improve in their efforts to help build homes, plan prosperous places and economies, and reduce homelessness.
‘I’d urge fellow councillors from across the country to look at the programme and see how it can benefit their area – all it takes is a quick visit to our website to find out more.’
