Housing formula could exacerbate regional divide, councils warn
The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned the government’s new housing targets and planning algorithm could lead to fewer homes being built in the North.
Under plans published last month, ministers want to change the current method for setting targets for councils on the number of homes to be built in their local areas.
But the LGA said the new formula will introduce a ‘stark variation’ in where new homes will be built.
An analysis of the new government formula shows that, compared to the current formula, the highest percentage increase in new homes growth will be expected in the Midlands and the South, with lower growth rates in northern regions.
According to the LGA, London will be expected to see a 161% increase in housing.
Brighton and Hove will be expected to deliver a 287% increase in housing, Dover will have to increase new homes by 294% and Tunbridge Wells will have to increase by 184%.
But proposed housing targets for the north east are 28% lower than existing delivery, 8% lower in the North West and 6% lower in Yorkshire and Humberside.
And Northern cities stand to see significantly fewer homes built with the new requirement seeing a 66% decrease on those built in recent years in Newcastle, 59% in Liverpool, 20% in Sheffield and 16% in Leeds.
Last week, New Start reported that Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith had warned there were ‘fundamental flaws’ in the new methodology.
‘I would argue that, perhaps not for the first time this summer, well-meaning ministerial intent has been sabotaged by a “mutant algorithm” cooked up in the wet market of Whitehall,’ Mr Griffith told MPs during a debate in Westminster.
And in August, Horsham District Council, which includes part of the Arundel and South Downs constituency, said it was taking legal advice on government plans to almost double the number of new homes built locallyover the next decade.
The LGA’s housing spokesman, Cllr David Renard, said: ‘Under these plans, some parts of the country will have to ramp up housebuilding with existing targets doubled.
‘Others, mainly cities in the north, will be told they need to build less, which risks reducing the number of homes they had earmarked for development and bulldozing their current house-building plans.
‘This seriously jeopardises any ambition to level-up the country,’ he added. ‘Building new good quality and affordable housing is vital to regenerating our towns and cities, improving our health and wellbeing, creating jobs and enabling local economies to thrive and bounce back following the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Algorithms and formulas can never be a substitute for local knowledge and decision-making by councils and communities who know their areas best. When decisions about housing need and developments are made locally, wider issues can be considered, such as ensuring they come with necessary infrastructure and affordable homes,’ added Cllr Renard.
Photo Credit – Cegoh (Pixabay)
