NHF warns social housing funding is in crisis

September 19, 2017

National Housing Federation (NHF)report published today headlines ‘Social housing spending at record low.’

The report shows that the nation’s commitment to building homes has fallen from £11.4bn in 2009 to £5.3bn in 2015 – from 0.7% to 0.2% of the total GDP. Despite this, more than a million families remain on the housing waiting list.

Chief Executive David Orr will today at the NHF annual conference warn that social housing funding is in crisis, unless the Government is prepared to make a break with the past and start funding new genuinely affordable homes.

David Orr, Chief Executive at the National Housing Federation said: “It is absurd that we’re spending less on building social housing than we did in the nineties – there are even more people today on housing waiting lists than then despite increasingly stringent criteria.

“We know we need more, better quality social housing. And yet, rather than putting public money into building the homes we need, we are propping up rents in a failing market. Ultimately, this is poor value for the taxpayer and has a knock-on effect on everyone struggling to rent or buy.

“The Prime Minister is right that we’ve not paid social housing enough attention. After the tragic fire at Grenfell, this crisis can no longer be ignored. The Government must be bold and make a break with the past by making money available to build genuinely affordable homes.

“There’s more than a billion pounds that remains unspent on Starter Homes. Let’s put this money to use and let housing associations build 20,000 of the genuinely affordable homes the nation needs.”

Read the NHF report in full click here.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Alterations can change a property’s rebuild cost

‘Don’t get caught short’ warning to homeowners from valuations experts – alterations can change a property’s rebuild cost Properties change over time. Homeowners may add an extension, upgrade a kitchen or bathroom, alter the layout, or even change how the building is used, but when do those changes mean it’s time for a new rebuild…
Read More →
Breaking News

HMO conversions hit investors for £82,000 on average

The average cost of converting a property into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) is estimated at more than £82,000 across England, according to new research by residential property management specialist, Rushbrook, although investors looking to avoid the conversion process have more than 2,500 existing licensed HMOs available to purchase. Rushbrook analysed HMO property listings across…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Selling a HAUNTED house?

Property lawyer reveals whether you have to tell buyers about ghosts    HOMEOWNERS selling a property with a spooky reputation have been warned that its haunted history could come back to bite them if a nervous buyer starts asking questions. From unexplained footsteps and doors opening by themselves to tales of former residents refusing to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Renters call for greater transparency in HMOs

National findings released as 1 in 5 tenants report feeling unsafe at some point during their tenancy because of a housemate Rising housing costs pushing more people towards shared accommodation      42% of tenants received no information about their housemates before moving in 60% wish they had known more about who they would be living with…
Read More →
Breaking News

Housing Insight Report: August 2026

August’s figures reveal a housing market where activity continues, but buyers are taking a more cautious approach, making realistic pricing and negotiation increasingly important. Meanwhile, growing tenant demand and limited rental supply continue to create challenges across the lettings market, highlighting the different pressures facing buyers, sellers, landlords and renters. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark,…
Read More →
mycelium growth
Estate Agent Talk

How to spot and prevent damp and mould in your home

As temperatures fall and homes become more susceptible to condensation and moisture, Propertymark is urging tenants and homeowners to be aware of the signs of damp and mould and take action early to protect their homes and their health. Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from a severe respiratory infection after being exposed to damp and mould…
Read More →