Norfolk charity says autumn budget was a missed chance to invest in social housing
An extra £730 million is being spent on tackling homelessness
Last updated 1st Nov 2024
A housing trust in Norfolk is telling us that the Chancellor missed an opportunity to announce a long-term funding plan for social housing in this week's autumn budget.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced this week that £5 billion is going into building 1.5 million homes, while stamp duty for those buying second homes will increase from 3 to 5 per cent.
£230 million will go towards tackling rough-sleeping and half a billion pounds is being put towards building more affordable homes.
"That investment would make savings across the board"
Dr Jan Sheldon is from 'St Martin's' based in Norwich:
"There was lot of talk about affordable housing, but that's very different to social housing. Affordable housing is a property that's in the bracket of market value minus 20%.
"That's just not affordable for the majority of those who we support.
"We know estimates say that it will likely cost £35 billion to end the housing crisis, but that investment would make savings across the board.
"So, if somebody is struggling and has nowhere to live then that is going to affect their mental and physical health. Something that's going to affect health and social care services."
What's the Government said?
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:
"We have inherited a housing system which is broken, with not enough homes being built and even fewer that families can afford.
"This is a further significant step in our plan to get Britain building again, backing the sector, so they can help us deliver a social and affordable housing boom, supporting millions of people up and down the country into a safe, affordable and decent home they can be proud of."
What have the Conservatives said about the autumn budget?
Outgoing Tory leader Rishi Sunak has accused Ms Reeves of "fiddling the figures" and "breaking promises".