NFA What next for Social Housing NFA What next for Social Housing? Sinéad Butters Chief Executive Aspire Group Chair Placeshapers

Where were we? Affordable Housing Grant programmes Shared ownership one part of the whole Works better in some areas and flexibility was key Relies on good understanding of LA’s and strong local plan Responding to housing need and affordability Successes, exemplars within a supportive environment

What happened It’s the economy, stupid Radical overhaul of all government spending New government, new philosophies 63% cut in grant for social housing Support for affordable housing at 80% market rent Public statements from some – no longer developing social rented housing

How has policy shifted? Move away from social rented subsidy Implementation of RTB extension via a voluntary scheme Pay to Stay – a tenure challenge Focus on “aspiration”, hence starter homes replacing Section 106 High value asset sales a huge challenge Deregulation measures enabling sale of tenanted stock LHA presents a fundamental challenge

So what does this mean Housing Bill challenge on key aspects of the Bill Affordability is key – definition and clarity – L&Q approach LA housing and local plan should drive requirements – not top down Evidential base of local needs, supply, affordability etc. Role for us to champion and inform Have to take more risk to cross subsidise social rented

The Future Reducing social rent offer nationally Places where poor people can’t live But local leadership and innovative solutions help In a riskier environment But what will it take to get this back on agenda People on the streets?