Affordable Housing 2020-11-16
2020-11-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a concern about the availability and affordability of housing in many areas.
What steps are being taken to improve the supply of affordable housing? The Government's investment in affordable housing is significant, but there may be room for revisiting definitions to ensure homes truly meet the needs of those who cannot afford market rates.
The Government is investing £12.2 billion in affordable housing over the next five years, including a new £3 billion affordable homes guarantee scheme and an existing £3.24 billion scheme. The current definition includes social rent options for local authorities and a first homes programme providing discounts of at least 30% on homes.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address the specific suggestion to revisit the definition of affordable homes, instead summarizing existing definitions and programmes.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a concern about the availability and affordability of housing in many areas, particularly given that current definitions may not align with what people can actually afford.
Does the Minister think it might be useful to revisit the definition of affordable homes? In the past, we used 80% of average market value, which is often still unaffordable. Will he consider this?
The Minister noted that the current affordable homes definition includes housing for sale or rent at 80% of average cost, with a social rent option and first homes programme providing discounts of at least 30%. He did not explicitly commit to revising the definition.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a direct commitment to reconsider or revise the definition of affordable homes.
Response accuracy