Future Homes

Back in the old year I was called upon to attend a briefing about the Housing Ministers plans for addressing the growing housing shortage.

Conclusions and key messages.

Government are setting a hugely challenging Agenda, at this point the new objectives are high on aspiration and as yet thin on delivery mechanisms.

Plans include:

3 million more homes – backed by more ambitious building targets, increased investment, and new ways of identifying and using land for development.

More social housing – ensuring that a decent home at an affordable price is for available for the growing group of people who otherwise will be disadvantaged.

Building homes more quickly – by unblocking the planning system and releasing land for development. Including releasing greenbelt and building on flood plains.

More affordable homes – by increasing the options for low cost home ownership and more long term and affordable mortgage products

Greener homes with high environmental standards via flagship developments leading the way, the Minister talked of eco Towns as part of that way forward.

Including 100% zero Carbon new build homes by 2016

Talking with delegates there seemed to be a belief that the main issue with such challenging targets, seems to revolve around funding infrastructure.

There was further concern about the lack of information available about initiatives to improve existing housing stock.

As part of her presentation, the Minister talked of a need for 300,000 new homes in Yorkshire and the Humber, so we clearly need to stay closely tuned to developments in our back garden.

Well whoever is taking responsibility for government in years to come this will be one issue that effects a huge slice of our population. Things do need to be done and they need doing right!