We are calling on Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP to commit to long-term funding for affordable housing in the upcoming Spending Review.
This includes the need for bold, long-term reforms rather than short-term fixes to tackle the housing crisis which has left 15,500 people on housing waiting lists across the Liverpool City Region.
The Spending Review will set out the Government’s spending priorities for the next three years. And as part of the development process, the Liverpool City Region Housing Associations group has supported a joint submission to the Treasury’s open portal calling for representations to stakeholders on what should be considered.
Our joint submission marks the first time that seven housing partnerships in devolved regions across Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, alongside Homes for the South West, have come together in a united call for action.
Together, members of these groups own and manage 1.7 million homes.
Our broader policy asks
The submission sets out how long-term certainty of funding is the only way the social housing sector can build at the scale needed to support the Government in achieving its 1.5 million homes target.
The reclassification of housing investment as infrastructure spend would deliver this long-term certainty by putting an end to stop-start funding cycles which have stifled housebuilding and economic growth for decades.
As well as building new homes, we are calling for the renewal of existing towns to breathe life back into communities, create jobs and support local economic growth.
We have also proposed two clear funding pots to simplify and accelerate housing investment – one for new housebuilding and another for improving existing homes.
Commenting on the submission, Léann Hearne, Chief Executive at Livv Housing Group and Chair of Liverpool City Region Housing Associations, said:
“As well as the clear economic benefits, good quality housing is directly linked to better health, wellbeing and educational outcomes and strong, resilient communities. Put simply, a safe home is where success in life stems from.
“The housing sector needs long-term financial certainty and a solid framework in order to both support the Government’s ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes, and maintain or improve our current housing stock.
“We need detailed plans, sufficient funding, and a clear route map for long-term delivery. These measures are essential to successfully address the housing crisis and build a better future for our customers and communities.”
The housing crisis in focus
Our submission comes at a crucial time as the Government prepares to set out its spending priorities for the coming years. It also comes as the Liverpool City Region has seen a 330% rise in house prices in the last 30 years.
With housing demand soaring, costs rising, and the climate crisis requiring urgent action, we are urging ministers to seize this opportunity and work with the sector to build a housing strategy that delivers for people and communities, as well as the economy.
Read the Spending Review submission in full here.
