黑洞社区

The government will only hit its 1.5 million homes target if it funds a 鈥済enerational increase鈥� in social housing, the chair of a select committee has warned in a letter to chancellor Rachel Reeves amid reports of possible funding cuts to affordable housing.

Florence Eshalomi said she is concerned about reports that the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) may face 鈥渟ignificant cuts to its budget鈥� in the spending review next week as an unprotected department.

Eshalomi, chair of the housing, communities and local government committee, said: 鈥淭he last time more than 300,000 homes were built in a single year in the UK was 1977. That year, more homes were built by local authorities than private enterprise.

鈥淥ur committee believes that a generational increase in social and affordable housing investment is required if the government is to meet its 1.5 million target during this Parliament. The spending review 2025 is make or break for the 1.5 million target.鈥�

A number of media outlets over the past couple of days have reported that unprotected departments, including MHCLG and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero could face cuts as the government attempts to stick to its fiscal rules.

According to the Times, 鈥渕inisters find themselves locked in a battle for an ever-diminishing pool of resources鈥� amid 鈥渢ense negotiations鈥� within Whitehall.

Esholami said: 鈥淲e are deeply concerned to hear media reports in recent days that the MHCLG as an 鈥榰nprotected鈥� department, may face significant cuts to its budget next week.

鈥淲hile we understand the current pressures on the public finances will mean difficult policy decisions are needed, we also note the government鈥檚 unwavering commitment to deliver 1.5 million new homes during this parliament 鈥� a pledge first made in the Labour manifesto and reiterated as a milestone of the government鈥檚 鈥榞rowth mission鈥� in its Plan for Change.鈥�

The government is due to set out its long-awaited multi-year spending review next Wednesday (11 June).