There has been a mixed response from key housing bodies to the Government’s Plan for Jobs announced yesterday by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

The £50m to retrofit social housing, plus £2bn towards a new ‘green homes grant’ for lower income households is a good start, although much more investment is needed, said Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

He added: “This must be the first step in addressing the climate change emergency and has the potential to reduce fuel poverty. Government must ensure it is followed quickly by a clear plan and resources to get the housing stock up to the targeted energy efficiency levels by 2035 – and meet the Government’s firm commitment to achieve that enormous task.

“We’re seeing just the first installment of a promised £9.2 billion investment in the Conservative manifesto and we now look to the Spending Review in the Autumn for the Government to demonstrate a clear commitment to delivering a zero-carbon future for the nation’s housing stock.”

Chancellor’s Autumn Budget

The temporary cut in stamp duty for homes up to £500,000 might provide an opportunity to stimulate the housing market but, without increasing supply, this is likely to lead to an increase in already high house prices, said Smart.

He added:  That’s why we need to see housing – and homes – at the heart of Government’s plans for economic recovery. The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget and Spending Review will provide an early opportunity for government to invest in new homes, including the 90,000 homes at social rents needed each year to solve our acute housing crisis.”

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, welcomed the comprehensive package of support for young people and others facing unemployment but said that further action is needed to support young people.

“Social landlords are the biggest investor in employment support and skills after the government, and sadly since lockdown they have been supporting many young people get financial help and claim Universal Credit,” she said. “We’re pleased to see the government have listened and the extra funding for some of these schemes announced today is very welcome – we know they make a real difference.”

National Housing Federation

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, welcomed the comprehensive package of support for young people and others facing unemployment but said that further action is needed to support young people.

“Social landlords are the biggest investor in employment support and skills after the government, and sadly since lockdown they have been supporting many young people get financial help and claim Universal Credit,” she said.

“We’re pleased to see the government have listened and the extra funding for some of these schemes announced today is very welcome – we know they make a real difference.”

“But helping young people into work alone is not enough to give the next generation a fresh start. We have known for years that the severe shortage of social homes is stopping young people get on in life.

“Homelessness among young people has risen dramatically, increasing numbers of young people are unable to move out of their parents’ homes and many are forced in to debt because of the high cost of rent. This has all been exacerbated by the pandemic.

“Waiving stamp duty will help some people, but it doesn’t solve the problem of the shortage of homes or help those who are really struggling.”

Henderson added: “Earlier this week we welcomed the government’s confirmation that funding for the Affordable Homes Programme will go ahead and the funding for a social housing retrofit pilot.

“But significantly more, long term funding, from the government is needed to kickstart a building boom of social homes at the scale we desperately need.

“This is the only way to create enough affordable homes, rebuild left behind communities across the country, create local jobs as well providing young people with access to enough training and employment support.”

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