The Home Builders Federation, the National Housing Federation, the CBI, lawyers Clarke Willmot and the Chartered Institute of Housing have today come together to announce a pioneering new initiative aimed at easing the housing crisis in the South West of England.
The South West Housing Initiative was put together following a conference earlier this year investigating the root causes of the regions housing problem. The Initiative aims to promote mutually acceptable thinking on how the crisis should be addressed.
Affordability is a particular problem in the South West. Eighteen districts in the region feature among the forty most unaffordable across the whole country. House prices in the region outstrip gross household earnings on a ratio of 5:1, pricing many, especially first time buyers, out of the market.
Homelessness is another major issue with council waiting lists rising by 30% between 1999 and 2003. Statutory homelessness acceptances are up by over 40% and households in temporary accommodation are up 36% over the same period. The supply of affordable homes must be doubled at the very least in the coming years, if rising homelessness is to be addressed.
An under-supply of new homes also exists in the region, with a particular supply shortfall in those areas most in need of more homes. Coupled with rising demand, as population growth in the South West more than doubles the rate of the rest of England, the region is potentially heading for a severe shortage in housing supply".
Key recommendations of the South West Housing Initiative include the need for better house building targets, as those currently in place are inadequate to meet rising demand; the need for more certainty in the planning process to improve delivery of housing against strategic planning targets; and increased government investment which is comparatively low in the South West.
The Initiative also calls for an appreciation of the positive case for housing provision, urging attention to focus on the real benefits new homes bring for whole communities. Additionally more co-operation is required between Government and the housing industry.
Commenting on the Initiative Rob Ashmead, Chief Executive of the Home Builders Federation, said:
Increasing housing supply to bring it into balance with demand is the only way to improve general levels of affordability and to avoid the impending housing crisis in the South West. The industry looks forward to working with local stakeholders and planning authorities to take action that will have real results for the region.
Stuart Ropke, Regional Manager of the National Housing Federation, said:
The fact that the organisations involved in this initiative have come together in this way underlines just how important housing issues in the South West have become. The National Housing Federation continues to campaign for increased government resources for the region. Crucial regional policies such as the Regional Spatial Strategy should fully recognise the need for more affordable housing in the region.
Michael Clarke, Vice Chairman South West CBI, comments:
A unique feature of the South West Housing Initiative is the support of business for the proposition that the delivery of more housing in the South West forms an essential part of the necessary progress of sustainable economic development in the South West. The benefits of this proposition for the people who live and work in this region are too great to be ignored.
Bronwyn Hill, Chair of the South West Housing Body, comments
"I welcome this initiative led by the private sector. The proposed South West Regional Housing Strategy recognises that our economic prosperity depends on the region addressing the challenges of improving affordability and getting a better match of homes and jobs. These challenges are heightened by the background of a growing population and the need not to compromise the region's distinctiveness and prized environmental assets".
Pat Steward of the Royal Town and Planning Institute (SW) comments:
"Housing provision will continue to be a critical part of the creation of more sustainable communities and the success of the South West.
Planners and politicians have a leading role in promoting and delivering sustainable communities. To do this they will need to be bold, work in partnership and plan for a successful future. This report will help them achieve that."
Richard Kitson, Regional Policy Officer for the Chartered Institute of Housing said:
"The shortage of affordable homes in the region continues to both hit those in most need and also constrain economic growth and so we fully support efforts to tackle this crisis".
Karen Wallis, Partner at Clarke Willmott adds:
The housing shortage is a critical issue for the region. If we are to generate more housing, and particularly more affordable housing in the South West, we need all stakeholders to work together. There is a genuine appetite to develop solutions, but it means government and local authorities working with developers and landowners to deliver them.
Ends
For more information please contact Katie Thompson at Portland on 020 7421 6120 or katie.thompson@portlandpr.co.uk
Notes to Editors
About the HBF
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is the principal trade federation for private sector house builders and voice of the house building industry in England and Wales. The HBFs 300 member firms account for over 80% of all new houses built in England and Wales in any one year, and include companies of all sizes, ranging from multi-national, household names through regionally based businesses to small local companies. www.hbf.co.uk
About the Chartered Institute for Housing
The CIH is the professional body for individuals working in housing with over 19,000 members. Its primary aim is to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the well-being of communities. (www.cih.org)