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Housing

West Midlands to See Hundreds of New Social Houses Amid Relaxed Government Rules

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker announced plans to utilize the £40 million Social Housing Accelerator Fund to convert 1,000 properties into social rent homes, addressing the region's housing crisis. The decision comes after Parker pleaded to be released from restrictions imposed by the previous government, which hindered the West Midlands Combined Authority's ability to directly fund affordable or social housing. The move aims to alleviate the burden of 14,976 children and 7,450 households currently residing in temporary accommodation, with 65,335 households on social housing waiting lists.

Key Takeaways:

  • The West Midlands Mayor's office will utilize the £40 million Social Housing Accelerator Fund to convert 1,000 properties into social rent homes.
  • The decision addresses the region's housing crisis, which affects 14,976 children and 7,450 households currently in temporary accommodation.
  • The total number of new social homes approved or secured by the Mayor's office in 15 months is over 1,750.
  • The Mayor aims to build 2,000 social homes per year by 2028 as part of his "Homes for Everyone" priority.
  • Since his election, the Mayor has used WMCA funding to unlock over 1,200 affordable homes, including over 700 for social rent.
  • One social rent tenant, David Hopper, has spoken about the transformative impact of his new home, having been homeless for two and a half years.

Statistics:

  • 1,000 properties will be converted into social rent homes using the £40 million Social Housing Accelerator Fund.
  • 14,976 children and 7,450 households are currently residing in temporary accommodation across the West Midlands.
  • 65,335 households are on social housing waiting lists in the West Midlands.
  • Over 1,750 new social homes have been approved or secured by the Mayor's office in 15 months.
  • Over 1,200 affordable homes, including over 700 for social rent, have been unlocked by the Mayor's office using WMCA funding.
  • 87 new houses will be built at the Midland Heart housing association scheme, with 58 of them being social rent.

Sources:

  • [West Midlands Mayor's office]
  • [BBC News] (Reference not provided in the original text)

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