Latest news with #AffordableHomesProgramme
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starmer accused of using private school VAT raid to ‘house illegal migrants'
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of using private school VAT cash to 'house illegal migrants' after he suggested the policy would fund Labour's house-building Prime Minister wrote on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday that the decision to levy 20pc VAT on private school fees had allowed the Government to make the 'largest investment in a generation' to affordable housing. Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, accused Sir Keir of taxing children's education to build homes which would be 'given away' to migrants. Labour has long-maintained that its controversial VAT raid, which has already seen dozens of schools close as a result, would be used to improve state schools. But this week it was forced to abandon its manifesto promise to hire 6,500 new state school teachers. Yesterday, the Prime Minister tweeted how the 'tough choice' on VAT had paid off. Ms Trott described the post as 'madness.' She told The Telegraph: 'Labour needs to come clean with the public. Not only have they broken their promise to hire 6,500 more teachers but now they are taxing British children's education to build homes that will be given away to illegal migrants. 'The sums don't add up. It's children, parents and teachers in the state sector who'll pay the price for Labour's ideological agenda.' The Treasury hopes to raise £1.5bn from its VAT raid this year, rising to £1.7bn by 2029-30. In December, Chancellor Rachel Reeves told reporters 'every single penny' of the £1.5bn it hoped to raise from the private school VAT raid would be ring-fenced for state education. In an interview with ITV, Ms Reeves was asked: 'Will all of that money be ring-fenced for state schools?' She replied: 'Yes, every single penny of that money will go into our state schools to ensure that every child gets the best start in life.' Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said her party had opposed the VAT raid because it was 'terrible policy'. She said: 'It has forced schools to shut, sending thousands of pupils into state schools that are now struggling for space, teachers and money you didn't account for. 'You said every single penny would go into state schools, but now it's housing?' Questions have also been raised over whether the Government's forecasts are accurate. It was revealed last week that four times as many pupils left private schools last year than was predicted. In the spending review, Labour said it would spend £4bn by 2029-30 on its Affordable Homes Programme. It also vowed to stop housing asylum seekers in hotels by 2029, raising suggestions these people would instead be moved into social housing. Rachel Reeves said she was providing a 'cash uplift' of more than £4.5bn for schools between now and 2029. However a large proportion of this is as a result of the decision to extend free school meals to 500,000 more children. When this figure is removed, the core budget for schools will rise by 0.4pc over the next three years. Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, said: 'Throughout the debate on VAT, schools were promised that the money raised – if any – would go to state education. We have seen the rhetoric on this watered down to 'public services' and now the revelation that it will now pay for housing. 'We are in the worst-case scenario, one that we have warned about since the introduction of this policy: real damage has been done to independent education without any benefit to state schools, who are also facing further cuts. It is children who will lose out as a result.' The Treasury was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Rhyl Journal
11-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Charities hail ‘biggest cash injection in affordable housing in half a century'
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government will invest £39 billion over the next decade. Delivering her spending review statement in the Commons on Wednesday, she said social housing had been 'neglected for too many decades' and that she wanted to ensure people had the 'security of a proper home'. She said: 'A plan to match the scale of the housing crisis must include social housing – neglected for too many decades, but not by this Labour Government.' Ms Reeves said the Government, led by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner – who is also Housing Secretary – is now 'taking action'. Ms Reeves added: 'I am proud to announce the biggest cash injection into social and affordable housing in 50 years – a new Affordable Homes Programme in which I am investing £39 billion over the next decade. 'Direct Government funding to support housebuilding especially for social rent and I am pleased to report that towns and cities including Blackpool, Preston, Sheffield and Swindon already have plans to bring forward bids to build those homes in their communities.' The Treasury said the programme will be delivered over 10 years from 2026‑27 to 2035‑36 and spending will reach £4 billion per year in 2029-30, subsequently rising in line with inflation. Housing charity Shelter has described the funding as 'a watershed moment in tackling the housing emergency' and a 'huge opportunity to reverse decades of neglect and start a bold new chapter for housing in this country'. The charity called for a clear target for delivering social rent homes. Social rent homes are known as social housing, where rents are linked to local incomes, and can cater for people living in temporary accommodation, meaning they are officially classed as homeless. Affordable housing is wider, covering things such as affordable rent and shared ownership. Shelter estimated, using guidance on previous announcements on investment in affordable housing, that if 60% of funding goes towards social rent homes this could mean around 26,000 of these are delivered each year after five years. A charity spokeswoman added: 'If this is coupled with measures to get developers building their fair share, we're confident the Government could ramp up to between 30,000-40,000 social rent homes per year – this is close to the levels of the last Labour government (40,000 per year). 'While this isn't enough to end homelessness for good, it's much higher than the current rate of delivery, which is around 10,000 social rent homes per year. 'We need 90,000 social rent homes a year for 10 years to clear social housing waiting lists and end the housing emergency.' Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, described the funding as a 'transformational package' for social housing which will 'deliver the right conditions for a decade of renewal and growth'. She said: 'This is the most ambitious affordable homes programme in decades and alongside long-term certainty on rents, will kickstart a generational boost in the delivery of new social homes. 'Housing associations look forward to working in partnership with the government and with a Deputy Prime Minister who has tirelessly championed social housing.' Riverside, which describes itself as one of the largest and most experienced housing association groups in the country, said this was a 'historic and ground-breaking funding settlement for social landlords'. Its chief executive, Paul Dolan, said: 'The Affordable Homes Programme marks a major step in boosting the amount of social housing which is crucial if we are to cut the record number of homeless families living in temporary accommodation. 'We hope to see dedicated funding for urban regeneration play a significant part of the AHP. 'As an organisation, we have seen first-hand the difference regeneration makes in improving the quality of homes, neighbourhoods and the health and economic prospects of residents. 'With one in every six children living in an overcrowded home, dedicated regeneration funding can transform communities up and down the country.'
Powys County Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Charities hail ‘biggest cash injection in affordable housing in half a century'
The 'biggest cash injection' in social and affordable homes in England has been welcomed by charities and housing providers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government will invest £39 billion over the next decade. Delivering her spending review statement in the Commons on Wednesday, she said social housing had been 'neglected for too many decades' and that she wanted to ensure people had the 'security of a proper home'. She said: 'A plan to match the scale of the housing crisis must include social housing – neglected for too many decades, but not by this Labour Government.' Ms Reeves said the Government, led by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner – who is also Housing Secretary – is now 'taking action'. Ms Reeves added: 'I am proud to announce the biggest cash injection into social and affordable housing in 50 years – a new Affordable Homes Programme in which I am investing £39 billion over the next decade. 'Direct Government funding to support housebuilding especially for social rent and I am pleased to report that towns and cities including Blackpool, Preston, Sheffield and Swindon already have plans to bring forward bids to build those homes in their communities.' The Treasury said the programme will be delivered over 10 years from 2026‑27 to 2035‑36 and spending will reach £4 billion per year in 2029-30, subsequently rising in line with inflation. Housing charity Shelter has described the funding as 'a watershed moment in tackling the housing emergency' and a 'huge opportunity to reverse decades of neglect and start a bold new chapter for housing in this country'. The charity called for a clear target for delivering social rent homes. Social rent homes are known as social housing, where rents are linked to local incomes, and can cater for people living in temporary accommodation, meaning they are officially classed as homeless. Affordable housing is wider, covering things such as affordable rent and shared ownership. Shelter estimated, using guidance on previous announcements on investment in affordable housing, that if 60% of funding goes towards social rent homes this could mean around 26,000 of these are delivered each year after five years. A charity spokeswoman added: 'If this is coupled with measures to get developers building their fair share, we're confident the Government could ramp up to between 30,000-40,000 social rent homes per year – this is close to the levels of the last Labour government (40,000 per year). 'While this isn't enough to end homelessness for good, it's much higher than the current rate of delivery, which is around 10,000 social rent homes per year. 'We need 90,000 social rent homes a year for 10 years to clear social housing waiting lists and end the housing emergency.' Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, described the funding as a 'transformational package' for social housing which will 'deliver the right conditions for a decade of renewal and growth'. She said: 'This is the most ambitious affordable homes programme in decades and alongside long-term certainty on rents, will kickstart a generational boost in the delivery of new social homes. 'Housing associations look forward to working in partnership with the government and with a Deputy Prime Minister who has tirelessly championed social housing.' Riverside, which describes itself as one of the largest and most experienced housing association groups in the country, said this was a 'historic and ground-breaking funding settlement for social landlords'. Its chief executive, Paul Dolan, said: 'The Affordable Homes Programme marks a major step in boosting the amount of social housing which is crucial if we are to cut the record number of homeless families living in temporary accommodation. 'We hope to see dedicated funding for urban regeneration play a significant part of the AHP. 'As an organisation, we have seen first-hand the difference regeneration makes in improving the quality of homes, neighbourhoods and the health and economic prospects of residents. 'With one in every six children living in an overcrowded home, dedicated regeneration funding can transform communities up and down the country.'
Glasgow Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Charities hail ‘biggest cash injection in affordable housing in half a century'
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government will invest £39 billion over the next decade. Delivering her spending review statement in the Commons on Wednesday, she said social housing had been 'neglected for too many decades' and that she wanted to ensure people had the 'security of a proper home'. She said: 'A plan to match the scale of the housing crisis must include social housing – neglected for too many decades, but not by this Labour Government.' Ms Reeves said the Government, led by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner – who is also Housing Secretary – is now 'taking action'. Ms Reeves added: 'I am proud to announce the biggest cash injection into social and affordable housing in 50 years – a new Affordable Homes Programme in which I am investing £39 billion over the next decade. 'Direct Government funding to support housebuilding especially for social rent and I am pleased to report that towns and cities including Blackpool, Preston, Sheffield and Swindon already have plans to bring forward bids to build those homes in their communities.' The Treasury said the programme will be delivered over 10 years from 2026‑27 to 2035‑36 and spending will reach £4 billion per year in 2029-30, subsequently rising in line with inflation. Housing charity Shelter has described the funding as 'a watershed moment in tackling the housing emergency' and a 'huge opportunity to reverse decades of neglect and start a bold new chapter for housing in this country'. The charity called for a clear target for delivering social rent homes. Social rent homes are known as social housing, where rents are linked to local incomes, and can cater for people living in temporary accommodation, meaning they are officially classed as homeless. Affordable housing is wider, covering things such as affordable rent and shared ownership. Shelter estimated, using guidance on previous announcements on investment in affordable housing, that if 60% of funding goes towards social rent homes this could mean around 26,000 of these are delivered each year after five years. A charity spokeswoman added: 'If this is coupled with measures to get developers building their fair share, we're confident the Government could ramp up to between 30,000-40,000 social rent homes per year – this is close to the levels of the last Labour government (40,000 per year). 'While this isn't enough to end homelessness for good, it's much higher than the current rate of delivery, which is around 10,000 social rent homes per year. 'We need 90,000 social rent homes a year for 10 years to clear social housing waiting lists and end the housing emergency.' Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, described the funding as a 'transformational package' for social housing which will 'deliver the right conditions for a decade of renewal and growth'. She said: 'This is the most ambitious affordable homes programme in decades and alongside long-term certainty on rents, will kickstart a generational boost in the delivery of new social homes. 'Housing associations look forward to working in partnership with the government and with a Deputy Prime Minister who has tirelessly championed social housing.' Riverside, which describes itself as one of the largest and most experienced housing association groups in the country, said this was a 'historic and ground-breaking funding settlement for social landlords'. Its chief executive, Paul Dolan, said: 'The Affordable Homes Programme marks a major step in boosting the amount of social housing which is crucial if we are to cut the record number of homeless families living in temporary accommodation. 'We hope to see dedicated funding for urban regeneration play a significant part of the AHP. 'As an organisation, we have seen first-hand the difference regeneration makes in improving the quality of homes, neighbourhoods and the health and economic prospects of residents. 'With one in every six children living in an overcrowded home, dedicated regeneration funding can transform communities up and down the country.'
Leader Live
11-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Charities hail ‘biggest cash injection in affordable housing in half a century'
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government will invest £39 billion over the next decade. Delivering her spending review statement in the Commons on Wednesday, she said social housing had been 'neglected for too many decades' and that she wanted to ensure people had the 'security of a proper home'. She said: 'A plan to match the scale of the housing crisis must include social housing – neglected for too many decades, but not by this Labour Government.' Ms Reeves said the Government, led by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner – who is also Housing Secretary – is now 'taking action'. Ms Reeves added: 'I am proud to announce the biggest cash injection into social and affordable housing in 50 years – a new Affordable Homes Programme in which I am investing £39 billion over the next decade. 'Direct Government funding to support housebuilding especially for social rent and I am pleased to report that towns and cities including Blackpool, Preston, Sheffield and Swindon already have plans to bring forward bids to build those homes in their communities.' The Treasury said the programme will be delivered over 10 years from 2026‑27 to 2035‑36 and spending will reach £4 billion per year in 2029-30, subsequently rising in line with inflation. Housing charity Shelter has described the funding as 'a watershed moment in tackling the housing emergency' and a 'huge opportunity to reverse decades of neglect and start a bold new chapter for housing in this country'. The charity called for a clear target for delivering social rent homes. Social rent homes are known as social housing, where rents are linked to local incomes, and can cater for people living in temporary accommodation, meaning they are officially classed as homeless. Affordable housing is wider, covering things such as affordable rent and shared ownership. Shelter estimated, using guidance on previous announcements on investment in affordable housing, that if 60% of funding goes towards social rent homes this could mean around 26,000 of these are delivered each year after five years. A charity spokeswoman added: 'If this is coupled with measures to get developers building their fair share, we're confident the Government could ramp up to between 30,000-40,000 social rent homes per year – this is close to the levels of the last Labour government (40,000 per year). 'While this isn't enough to end homelessness for good, it's much higher than the current rate of delivery, which is around 10,000 social rent homes per year. 'We need 90,000 social rent homes a year for 10 years to clear social housing waiting lists and end the housing emergency.' Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, described the funding as a 'transformational package' for social housing which will 'deliver the right conditions for a decade of renewal and growth'. She said: 'This is the most ambitious affordable homes programme in decades and alongside long-term certainty on rents, will kickstart a generational boost in the delivery of new social homes. 'Housing associations look forward to working in partnership with the government and with a Deputy Prime Minister who has tirelessly championed social housing.' Riverside, which describes itself as one of the largest and most experienced housing association groups in the country, said this was a 'historic and ground-breaking funding settlement for social landlords'. Its chief executive, Paul Dolan, said: 'The Affordable Homes Programme marks a major step in boosting the amount of social housing which is crucial if we are to cut the record number of homeless families living in temporary accommodation. 'We hope to see dedicated funding for urban regeneration play a significant part of the AHP. 'As an organisation, we have seen first-hand the difference regeneration makes in improving the quality of homes, neighbourhoods and the health and economic prospects of residents. 'With one in every six children living in an overcrowded home, dedicated regeneration funding can transform communities up and down the country.'
