Agenda item

A report was submitted to set out the key discussion points with a range of Housing Associations that were active in the SCR. These were relating to their changing roles, policy and funding environments in supporting housing provision in the SCR, together with the opportunities for strengthening the relationships and joint working with the SCR and all partners involved.

Members were referred to the Annual Conference of the National Housing Federation held in 2018, where the then Prime Minister Teresa May had announced it being critical for consideration to be given to all people within society.  Following which, the Housing Associations had begun to apply for grant funding for social rental housing. The Secretary of State had recently announced that for the new schemes to be developed in two years’ time, there would be a ‘right to share ownership’ for new tenants.  It was prudent to have a constructive relationship with the Government.

All of the local Housing Associations present at the meeting confirmed that they are continuing to develop new homes, including affordable homes and other tenures.  This is increasing the number of homes for those individuals that could not access the owner-occupied market. 

Five Housing Associations had collaborated to establish a private Joint Venture company to provide additional homes for sale.  The objective is to generate a profit to help provide a more sustainable financial model that could help cross subsidise existing affordable housing programmes.  It was noted that housing associations would continue to be ethical house builders ensuring that high environmental standards were met.  Currently, the five Housing Associations owned approximately 150,000 homes

The Board noted the long-term strategic partnership funding offer from Government to 2026. Homes England was keen to work within the devolved regions where there was a clear long-term plan. The pressure point related to the commitment of a significant budget and the certainty that it would be delivered on the ground.  This offer could help the SCR to forward plan much further ahead than previously and given the uncertainty faced by the economy, there was a need to behave differently in respect of the long-term contribution to housing supply.

It was the intention of Forge New Homes to be in a position to sell homes within the first quarter of 2020/21, but it would take 3–5 years to reach a critical mass for the Company.

It was anticipated M Davies via C Blackburn, would provide Councillor Furness with a list of the lenders in relation to shared ownership.

Members noted DMBC’s aspirations to move forward with social housing.  The Board meetings provided an opportunity for active dialogue with officers.

The SCR housing market had a clear vibrancy which provided a positive opportunity for investors in the region.  It was suggested that the MCA could lobby Government for housing to be considered as ‘infrastructure’ so a longer timeframe for investment be put in place rather than the current 3 year spending cycle.

It was suggested to return to the system of having a reporting line from the housing providers back into the Board.

RESOLVED – That the Board noted the issues relating to the changing roles of Housing Associations in the provision of housing and related activity in the Sheffield City Region, and that similar discussions should be planned in with the Board every six months.