A welcome to the H&DN (Holding Event)

Over 80% of councils in England own companies, many of them set up for housing and other development. During the last decade, council companies delivered 1,400 new homes a year, on average, according to the LGA. Inside Housing research showed that number ramping up to about 3,000 in 2022, but it has since dropped away as financial restraints, rising costs and a lack of appetite for risk have taken their toll.

The private sector has never delivered more than about 100,000 homes a year, and the RP sector at full strength could add another 50,000 or so to that. So to reach the Government’s annual target of over 300,000 new homes, the public sector will have to provide 150,000 or more.

Government is assessing and preparing its delivery mechanisms, with a revamped Homes England, and reformed, devolved regional government likely to hold power and funding. The key arm for delivery…