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“It makes no sense that the rates that councils are receiving from the DWP are a decade and half old – the LHA rate must be brought into line with the current reality."

"Given the key role for councils in delivering these homes, it is crucial that they remain at the heart of delivery, and that mayors work closely with local authorities in their areas to achieve the most from this money." 

Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said: “Everyone has the right to live in a safe, decent, warm, and affordable home, and health hazards should be investigated and fixed in a timely manner.

"Councils are central to addressing the housebuilding crisis across the country and are ready to play their part, already approving nine out of ten planning applications which come before them.

The gap between the amount of money councils are paying in housing benefit and the amount they are reimbursed from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) increased to £266 million, new analysis by the Local Government Association has found.

Responding to the Housing Ombudsman's Annual Complaints Review, Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee said: “Everyone deserves a safe and secure home to live in, and it is never acceptable if people find themselves in situations where they do not have access to it."

“These figures show how the temporary accommodation crisis facing councils is only worsening. As more and more people turn to their council for help, local authorities are having to stretch budgets further."

While recent reforms of Right to Buy (RTB) precipitated a sharp uptick in applications from people wanting to buy their council houses, local authorities see long-term benefits from them for boosting their stock of social housing, a new survey by the Local Government Association has found.

Debbie Ward has been announced as the Head of the new Council Housebuilding Support Service (CHoSS).  

“As councils and communities face the stark reality of limited and poor-quality housing supply, this amendment could be a game changer. PDR allows developers to avoid contributing to affordable housing in the local area which has a real world impact – a fifth of families in temporary accommodation could be permanently housed.