Places for People response to Budget announcement

Responding to today’s Budget announcement, Places for People’s Chief Impact Officer John Greaves said: 

“Labour continues to demonstrate its commitment to reversing decades of decline in affordable housing and we stand ready to help this Government bring transformative change to Communities.

“An injection of £500m to the current Affordable Homes Programme is a vital boost and in line with what we have been calling for all summer through our Time To Build campaign. 

“But the UK needs sustained national investment in affordable housing to truly drive up supply, boost the economy and ease strain on the welfare system. Today’s landmark investment for Scotland now must be spent in its Affordable Housing Supply Programme, while parliament’s long-term housing strategy next Spring must set out further plans to get Britain building.

“A five-year social rent settlement gives us the prolonged financial certainty we have craved, equipping us to confidently invest in improving our stock, delivering better services and building more of the right homes in the right places. A consultation on longer-term future options, including a 10-year settlement, would further support effective planning and sustainable investment.

“Labour’s first Budget in 14 years is a welcome first step but the real journey starts now. Government must urgently work with the right partners to go further and faster in driving the positive societal change it promises. Nobody brings as much to the table as PfP and as a key partner to Government, we can play a key role in creating thriving and healthy Communities where nobody is left behind.”