The government’s latest Affordable Homes Programme neglects renters, according to Dagenham and Rainham MP Jon Cruddas.
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has said this latest offering — announced last week — will be “the highest single funding commitment to affordable housing in a decade”.
Howevever, Mr Cruddas believes the shift towards shared ownership outlined by the programme will prejudice renters: “Home ownership is great for those who can afford it but for the thousands of local people who can’t there needs to be a major increase in new homes at rents which are affordable. The evidence is there from the many people in desperate housing need who come to me for help.“
The programme — set to run between 2021-2026 — aims to build up to 180,000 affordable homes nationwide.
Four of the £12bn is ringfenced for London, a decrease of £800,000 when compared to the previous programme’s award.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here