An independent review that is considering the
role of councils in housebuilding has made its first call for
evidence.
Natalie Elphicke and Keith House, who are leading the
review, asked for ideas and case studies about councils and housing supply. The
review is investigating whether councils are building enough homes, and how
they could play a bigger part in providing new homes for local
communities.
Since 2010 there has been significant change in the
powers of councils to build homes and in council finance. There have been
examples of direct new homes building by councils, and the creation of
partnerships to build homes through working with others.
The
review will examine how councils are using their current powers and
flexibilities to deliver new housing, and how they could team up with housing
associations, house builders, residents and businesses to do
more.
Mrs
Elphicke and Mr House said they wanted ideas, evidence and case studies from a
wide audience so they could consider new approaches to increase housebuilding,
identify barriers and challenge ‘myths’ that may stand in the way
of housing developments.
Keith House said:
Councils have a crucial role to play at the heart of
housing delivery. This review aims to help increase housing supply across all
tenures by examining all aspects of councils’ role in housing finance,
development and partnership working. We want to learn from the best and
encourage councils and the sector as a whole to find new ways to deliver more
homes in our communities.
Natalie Elphicke said:
Where there’s a good idea, a good way to deliver
more and to work together, we want to hear it! Whether council led, council
supported, resident or business led, do get in touch and tell us how you are
delivering homes for your area. Our review will be showcasing people who have
made a real difference on the ground to supporting homes for their communities,
who are proud of what they have achieved and have good experiences to
share.
Anyone can submit evidence and ideas,
whether:
-
answers to questions posed on the online
survey
-
case studies to demonstrate how councils are shaping,
leading, or enabling housing development, and how innovative finance models or
partnering arrangements have facilitated developments
-
sending in written policy paper ideas and
suggestions
This open call for evidence will run for just over 8 weeks
until 23 May 2014.
The
photo has been licensed under Creative Commons copyright courtesyostevekeiretsu
Further information
- On
30 January 2014, government announced that Natalie Elphicke and Keith House
would lead an independent review into the role that local authorities could
play in boosting housing supply. Read the terms of reference for the review.
- The
review will examine how councils are using their new freedoms under Housing
Revenue Account self-financing to increase housebuilding, and will examine what
more could be done by local authorities to support housing supply across all
tenures.
- This is an open call for evidence. The reviewers want to
gather ideas, evidence and case studies from a wide audience about how local
authorities can support housing supply.
- The
reviewers will report, jointly to the Secretary of State for Communities and
Local Government and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, by the end of
2014.
- Natalie Elphicke is chair of Million Homes, Million
Lives. It works with councils and housing associations for more better-quality
affordable housing that is built in the right places. She is also non-executive
director of Principality Building Society. She is a qualified barrister and
solicitor, and previously a city law firm partner specialising in housing
finance.
- Keith House is a Board Member of the Homes and
Communities Agency, and Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council. While at Eastleigh
Council he oversaw an innovative approach to housing which saw the council
establish a company to enable the delivery of housing across a range of
tenures. Keith is also the Deputy Chair of the Local Government Association
Environment and Housing Board.