• Home >
  • UK property >
  • Affordable housing starts down 97 per cent in a year
Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Affordable housing starts down 97 per cent in a year

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 12:39 PM

Affordable housing starts in England are down over 97 per cent in the last year according to figures released today by the homes and communities agency.

The months April to September this year saw just 454 affordable housing starts, compared to almost 14,000 last year.

The figures are particularly shocking as they come the day after housing minister Grant Shapps announced a new government housing strategy to help "fix the problems" in the housing market.

Jack Dromey, Labour's shadow housing minister, called the fall in affordable housing starts "disastrous".

He said: "These figures show the impact of this government’s 60 per cent cut of £4 billion to Labour’s Affordable Homes Programme. Only one day on from the launch of the government’s housing strategy, this out of touch government’s credibility has been shattered.

"Grant Shapps likes to claim that last year his government built more affordable homes for rent than any time since 1995-6 but the facts show that the 60,000 new affordable homes built last year were planned for, financed and started by the last Labour government."

The HCA figures show the extent of the growing housing crisis.

Total housing starts between April and September total 1,746, down from over 18,000 for the same period last year.

Housing completions are also down, falling from just over 21,000 during the corresponding six months last year to around 15,000 over the last six months, representing a drop of 28 per cent.

There are some explanations for the low stats, notably the period of transition following the ending of the National Affordable Housing Programme and the launch of the Affordable Homes Programme.

This means that not all starts have been counted, as contracts are not yet in place.

The HCA say that they have signed contracts with providers for just over £1 billion on the Affordable Homes Programme, which will provide momentum for affordable housing delivery over the next four years.

However, Mr Dromey said that  the coalition government's housing policies are "failing".

He continued: "Those in need of a decent, affordable home are paying the price. Labour's five point plan for jobs and growth would introduce a bank bonus tax to fund 100,000 jobs for young people and build 25,000 more affordable homes."

Want to be the first to know when we break a story?  on Twitter and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.

Related stories

Grant Shapps said that the HCA housing figures are normally only of interest to "the industry". Photo:Getty Images

Shapps comes under fire on housing starts

Grant Shapps faces accusations of "misleading" the public over the housing crisis.

 Crane and skyscraper

Which organisations will provide affordable homes?

Last week Grant Shapps announced that 170,000 affordable homes will be built by 2015. These are the companies that will suppply them.
Building site at sunset

More affordable homes to be built than expected

Grant Shapps has revealed that 170,000, rather than 150,000, new affordable homes are now likely to be built.

 Grant Shapps

Affordable housing interest "exceeds expections"

Housing minister Grant Shapps has said that interest in the affordable rent programme has been widespread across the country.
Grant Shapps announced his new housing strategy last week.

Councils share £431m from new homes bonus

Grant Shapps claims a culture shift in local communities as 159,000 homes trigger payments under second year of scheme.

The new build figures sparked a war of tweets between housing minister Grant Shapps and labour opponent Jack Dromey. Image:Thinkstock

Housing starts fell back below 100,000 in 2011

Government figures show starts down four per cent on last year but better news on completions.
Kensington and Chelsea is the least affordable London borough. Image:Thinkstock

Four out of ten towns affordable for key workers

Big improvement in affordability of homes but big problems remain in London and South East, says Halifax.

 Private firms are being encouraged to invest in affordable homes. Image:Liquid

Bid to boost private investment in social housing

Ministers launch consultation on expanding role of real estate investment trusts.
Grant Shapps says that 170,000 new homes will be built over the next four years.

Affordable homes rise to 15-year high

Output from social rented and intermediate housing schemes in England rises 5 per cent.

 Boris Johnson faces a tough challenge in the upcoming mayoral election, which is a re-run of 2008's race. Image:Allstar

London gets new powers on housing and Olympics

Mayor to be responsible for affordable homes and Olympic legacy under £3bn deal.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

WowBBQ

WowBBQ Logo
Welcome to the World of Weber. We are the largest independent online Weber BBQ retailer in the United Kingdom. WOWbbq.co.uk is a Weber Partner Store and can give you the best advice for all your Weber BBQ needs.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

A guide to finding the right kitchen sink

When redesigning a kitchen or giving the room a makeover, it is important not to forget about the less obvious aspects of the space. Kitchen sinks are an essential fitting, but often overlooked, despite the fact there is a wide choice of styles available.

Useful tips to help find a flat in London

Looking for flats in London can be a frustrating process, given the capital's size, demand for rental accommodation and varying prices. It is vital, therefore, that you do plenty of research and act quickly to ensure you get the place that you want.

What do you need to consider when buying a mattress?

If you looking for a new mattress, you need to get the decision right, as getting it wrong could impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As well as comfort and size, you also need to consider other points, such as any health issues you may have.