Government to publish social housing green paper

The government is to publish a green paper on social housing that will be a “top-to-bottom review of the issues affecting the sector”. DCLG secretary of state Sajid Javid announced the paper at the National Housing Federation conference in Birmingham today, saying the publication will kick off a nationwide conversation on social housing. He said: “The results will help everyone involved in the world of social housing: local and central government, housing associations, TMOs, and of course the tenants themselves, to make this country’s social housing provision something the whole nation can be proud of.” Javid said that the paper needed to go further than looking only at the safety of homes in the wake of the Grenfell tower tragedy, and that it would report on the quality and management of social homes, as well as the rights of tenants. “It will also look at wider issues of place, community, and the local economy,” he said. “For example, what role social housing policy can play in building safe and integrated communities, where people from different backgrounds get along no matter what type of housing they live in.” Javid said the paper was not something the government intended to rush, and that it would be consulting all parties in the sector. The government’s previous white paper on housing was delayed by months. Grant Lipton, director of Great Marlborough Estates, said: “Building more social housing would provide greater security for those in need of homes, but would also provide the Exchequer with vital long-term income. “It makes sense for ministers to invest in housing that will generate ongoing returns for taxpayers, recycling money for ongoing development. By taking a more commercially minded approach to social housing – which will involve borrowing and investing – significant benefits could be created.” To send feedback, e-mail alex.peace@egi.co.uk or tweet @egalexpeace or @estatesgazette