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The Rural Services Network (RSN) is thrilled to announce the National Rural Conference 2024, taking place from 16th to 19th September. This virtual event, accessible via Zoom, is the premier gathering for senior officers, members, policymakers, and rural service professionals.
Further information and booking details can be found here
The Local Government Association (LGA) has published a comprehensive report, "Building a Better Future", highlighting the critical economic and social advantages of implementing five-year housing funding regimes. This approach is positioned as a transformative solution to the enduring challenges of social housing shortages, overcrowded living conditions, and homelessness across England.
For the past three decades, the growth in housing stock has lagged significantly behind demand. The current fragmented funding landscape, characterised by short-term, competitive funding pots, has led to inefficiencies and volatility in housing construction. The LGA report advocates for a shift to consistent, ring-fenced funding allocated over five-year periods. Such a regime promises to stabilise housing construction efforts, streamline administrative processes, and ultimately deliver more social homes to those in need.
The proposed five-year funding regime offers substantial economic and social benefits:
One of the report's key recommendations is the devolution of housing funding and decision-making to local authorities. This would allow for more tailored and effective responses to the specific housing needs of different regions. By aligning housing strategies with local development plans and infrastructure projects, councils can ensure more cohesive and sustainable community growth.
In conclusion, LGA's "Building a Better Future" report makes a compelling case for the adoption of five-year housing funding regimes. By providing secure, long-term funding, local authorities can significantly enhance their housing delivery capabilities, resulting in substantial economic, social, and financial benefits. This strategic shift promises to alleviate the housing crisis, improve living conditions, and foster stronger, more resilient communities across England.
For a detailed exploration of the findings and recommendations, please refer to the full report on the LGA website: Building a Better Future Report
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