NHF response to today's mini-budget

Responding to today’s mini-budget, Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation - which represents social landlords to more than six million people - says:

“It’s good to see the government announcing a really comprehensive package of support for young people and others facing unemployment. Social landlords are the biggest investor in employment support and skills after the government, and sadly since lockdown they have been supporting many young people get financial help and claim Universal Credit. We’re pleased to see the government have listened and the extra funding for some of these schemes announced today is very welcome - we know they make a real difference.

“But helping young people into work alone is not enough to give the next generation a fresh start. We have known for years that the severe shortage of social homes is stopping young people get on in life. Homelessness among young people has risen dramatically, increasing numbers of young people are unable to move out of their parents’ homes and many are forced in to debt because of the high cost of rent. This has all been exacerbated by the pandemic. Waving stamp duty will help some people, but it doesn’t solve the problem of the shortage of homes or help those who are really struggling.

“Earlier this week we welcomed the government's confirmation that funding for the Affordable Homes Programme will go ahead and the funding for a social housing retrofit pilot. But significantly more, long term funding, from the government is needed to kickstart a building boom of social homes at the scale we desperately need. This is the only way to create enough affordable homes, rebuild left behind communities across the country, create local jobs as well providing young people with access to enough training and employment support.”