Improvements needed to meet affordable homes targets

22-Dec-2005

Local authorities must improve the process of delivery for new affordable homes to ensure government-set targets are reached.

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Planning applications, management skills and guidance must all be improved, according to the National Audit Office (NAO), if the number of affordable homes across the UK is to be increased.

Research by the NAO and the Audit Commission revealed that the majority of local authorities are doubtful they will reach the new targets over the next two years and that many key worker homes could be left unfinished.

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"To address the shortage of affordable housing, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has set ambitious targets to increase the supply," explained Sir John Bourn, NAO comptroller, reports the Guardian.

"But there remain a number of areas where central and regional bodies can provide better leadership, guidance, clarity and co-ordination."

Mr Bourn believes that "streamlining" would enable properties to be built at a quicker rate and help more aspiring homeowners to get onto the first rung of the property ladder.

Despite the lack of confidence within the local authorities, the report also showed that progress was being made and that the Housing Corporation delivered over its initial target for 2004-5.

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