Councils in England are estimated to have built more than 13,000 homes last year, the highest amount in the last two decades, according to the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

The RTPI have published evidence confirming at least 9,000 homes have been directly created by local authorities in England in 2017-2018. 42% of the homes built were affordable housing and 23% were social housing.

A study was conducted by Professor Janice Morphet and Dr Ben Clifford of the Bartlett School of Planning and included interviews and an online survey of which 142 local authorities in England responded.

RTPI president Ian Tant said: “Having local authorities back as key players in the housing market is vital to tackling the housing crisis. It’s great news that they are becoming more active again, delivering a wide range of house types to meet a wide range of needs. But the lack of land is still a major issue. The government needs to help councils access land at the right price to develop themselves or sell to earn the income they need. Government should also consider a more direct role in increasing supply and influencing the location of housing.”

To read the full report on the research conducted by the RTPI click here.

25 June 2019