New social and affordable housing package announced

The government has announced the biggest boost to grant funding in a generation, alongside energy-saving standards, to cut the cost of living for millions of social tenants.  

New measures will give councils, housing associations, and other providers greater financial support to ramp up construction of new homes.

The aim is to bring bring down record-high numbers of families and children stuck in temporary accommodation or on housing waiting lists.  

As part of the reforms, landlords will have to meet standards to provide homes that are free of disrepair and damp, warm and energy efficient homes through a new Decent Homes Standard (DHS), updating decency standards for the first time in 20 years. 

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: "Every new social home means one less family stuck on a housing waiting list.  Building more social housing is crucial to fixing the housing crisis for good.

"But that’s only part of the story. We’re also driving up the quality of social housing so they’re well insulated and damp-free to keep families safe and cut their energy bills in the years ahead.

"I’m calling on everyone who has a part to play to build, baby, build."