The Chief Executive of one of the UK’s largest housing providers has cautiously welcomed Budget announcements aimed at tackling the housing crisis.
Mark Henderson, Home Group chief executive, welcomed an announcement that 20 areas in England have been selected to become Housing Zones.
Mr Henderson has been a long term advocate and campaigner of introducing Housing Zones arguing they will act as a mechanism capable of speedily delivering homes at scale.
Home Group has regularly lobbied the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Mayor of London’s office and the Treasury to establish Housing Zones.
Housing Zones work by encouraging local authorities to enter into joint ventures with housing associations and private developers to provide homes at scale on public land with streamlined planning procedures and financial incentives such as extended VAT exemptions.
Mr Henderson said: “Following our intensive arguments in favour of Housing Zones we’ve already seen the Mayor of London adopt the policy. We’re pleased the Chancellor today announced 20 areas in England have now been selected.
“Enterprise Zones worked for business when implemented correctly and the concept will work to help housing providers deliver the homes which are so desperately needed if implemented correctly.”
Mr Henderson cautiously noted the announcement that first time buyers would be able to receive a 25% boost when saving for a deposit by investing in an ISA.
He added: “Less than 24 hours after more than 3,000 people from the housing sector gathered in Westminster at the Homes for Britain rally to challenge the next government to end the housing crisis within generation the Chancellor has announced even more help aimed only at those who want to buy.
“While this is a welcome addition to other existing initiatives, it does nothing in itself to increase supply which is where the real heart of the problem lies.
“It does nothing to help those who desperately need a home but for whom the dream of ownership will never be achievable. Only by increasing supply in all areas, including affordable rent, can the market be rebalanced.”
