The Conservative party conference is well underway with a timely announcement of the promise of a further £2 billion funding to enable councils and local authorities to build new homes.
This brings the government funding up to a total of £9 billion for social housing.
It is hoped that the councils and housing associations bidding for a portion of funding will be able to provide certainty over future rent levels as a result in a bid to help those struggling with high private rents.
On Wednesday, homelessness charity Shelter will release figures showing 4.5m households renting privately in England spend an average of 41% of gross income on their accommodation – far higher than families with mortgages or social housing, said Shelter. About 53% were either struggling to pay or falling behind on their rent.
