The future vision of affordable housing

Housebuilding in the UK has not kept pace with need in recent decades. This trend looks likely to continue, with projections suggesting that the number of new households formed between 2011 and 2021 will significantly outstrip the number of homes built over the last 10 years. The most severe shortages have emerged in the social rented sector. Since the early 1980s, the number of owner-occupied and private rented homes in England have increased whilst, over the same period, the number of local authority and housing association homes for rent fell. Social housing rents have also grown faster than earnings since 2001.

With growing homelessness and spending on temporary accommodation, it is clear a strategy to address demand for genuinely affordable housing is needed. Reform was therefore delighted to convene this high-level policy roundtable, led by Melanie Onn MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, which brought together around 20 attendees, including senior policy-makers, public service leaders and business leaders.

This roundtable discussed the UK housing market and policies to address demand for affordable housing. It took place on Tuesday 27 February at 08.45 for 09.00-10.30 and was held under Chatham House Rule.