Fiona Fletcher-Smith responds to the government’s housebuilding plans

Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Chair of the G15 and Group Chief Executive of L&Q, shares her thoughts on this morning’s announcement about the government’s plans for housebuilding in England:

“The government is right to recognise the need to build more homes in urban areas like London, which has a significant level of unmet housing need. Housing associations will be a key partner to deliver the regeneration of our city centres and former industrial sites.

“The severe shortage of affordable homes and the cost of living crisis are creating increasing pressures on the capital. On average, one in 23 children in London are homeless, and around 56,000 Londoners are living in temporary accommodation. The G15 has previously estimated that 22,750 social homes are needed every year to meet demand.

“Reforms and investments in the planning system are welcome, and the Planning Skills Delivery Fund is a step in the right direction. However, more and longer-term grant funding, a wider range of innovative funding models and certainty of rental income will be essential if the housing sector is to genuinely scale up supply whilst meeting other building safety and net zero commitments.”