Landmark agreement to deliver Sheffield City Region homes
AN agreement between local authorities and housing providers in the Sheffield City Region to help drive the economy and deliver affordable homes has been signed.
Key political and housing figures across the city have signed a ‘Housing Compact’, demonstrating their commitment to working together to solve the housing crisis and meet the needs of those living and working in the City Region.
Speaking at its launch earlier this week, senior leaders at the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority praised the deal for creating a crucial common purpose.
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “We are pleased to be involved in this fantastic collaboration. Partnership working across the city is essential if we are to deliver more affordable housing and achieve ambitions of growth in our communities.The Housing Compact is a positive initiative that has the genuine potential to improve the lives and economic wellbeing of people across the Sheffield City Region.”
Simon Greaves, leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “The Compact underpins a shared commitment to ensuring that all our people, including the most vulnerable, can access good quality affordable housing.
“Each area in the city region has its own unique housing need but we can work together to secure the funding and investment required to deliver the homes we need.”
David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, added:
“Strong local leadership is vital if we are to solve the housing crisis. This agreement represents an excellent opportunity for the Sheffield City Region.
“Housing associations will use their local knowledge to work with partners across the City Region to grow the economy, regenerate communities, create jobs and help end the local housing crisis. This partnership can also play a key role in improving skills, job opportunities and health and social care for local communities.”
The Sheffield City Region Housing Compact is a unique collaboration between housing associations, local authorities and arms-length management organisations (ALMOs) operating in the Sheffield City Region, which between them own and manage over one fifth of all homes in the area.
Recent National Housing Federation research shows that the cost of the average Sheffield home is now over seven times the average local salary, putting homeownership out of reach for hundreds of thousands of people.
It also found that the average buyer would need a 64% pay rise to afford a standard mortgage on an average local home, and in the Sheffield City Region alone there has been a shortfall of nearly 10,000 homes since 2011.
Yorkshire Housing chief executive Mervyn Jones said: “We’re pleased to support this agreement as it will help make sure new homes are delivered where they are needed, benefitting local people and the local economy. We’re committed to developing new homes and this partnership will help us deliver our plans and support communities.”
