housing: lga advocacy and support

Date www.local.gov.uk

Housing: LGA advocacy and support Councils with ALMOS Group

Clarissa Corbisiero Senior Adviser, LGA

1st October 2013 www.local.gov.uk

Policy context • HRA Self financing • Changes to rental policy • LEPs, the Single pot and changes to the New

Homes Bonus • Government land release programme • NPPF and refreshed planning guidance • Welfare reform

Financial flexibilities for LAs to invest in housing: HRA • Making the case for

Council Led investment in housing.

• Lifting the HRA borrowing cap.

• Changing the UK measure of Debt.

Financial flexibilities for LAs to invest in housing: Right to Buy • De-regulation Bill – extending eligibility.

• LGA pressing for: – Flexibility to set the discount rate. – Simplification of HCA processes. – Right to retain 100% of receipts.

Financial flexibilities for LAs to invest in housing: Attracting investment in housing • Sharing experience. • Highlighting and exploring opportunities to

secure private sector investment. • Removing blockages where these exist.

Private rented sector A new landlords and tenants bill. • Quality accommodation• Safe and secure accommodation. • Enforcement against criminal landlords.

Questions for discussion 1. How can we further make the case for council led

investment in housing? 2. What is the impact of the reinvigorated Right to Buy

in your area? 3. What are the main opportunities and barriers to

partnership working or attracting private sector investment in housing in your area?

4. How does the existing framework support you to encourage and ensure a PRS that provide safe and quality accommodation? What needs to change?