The Housing Forum has responded to the Government’s consultation on locally-led Development Corporations.
Our local authority members are keen to deliver more housing, especially new affordable homes. We believe that a variety of delivery models can be suited to achieving this. Development Corporations can be particularly useful when there is greenbelt land being released, where there are multiple land owners, and where more than one local authority needs to work together to bring sites forward. A Development Corporation can support delivery through providing dedicated leadership and focus, providing continuity over a long period of time including when local authorities can see a change in political control.
We are, however, concerned that by devolving the power to create Development Corporations down to local authority level, there is a risk that changes in local political control could disrupt the focus of the Development Corporation. A long-term, bold vision is required which can be derailed by changes in local politics in a way that prevents a Development Corporation from achieving its ambitions. It is therefore vital that the government continues to drive forward Development Corporations which help fulfil its national ambitions for growth and housebuilding.
We are also concerned that local authorities’ funding is current too stretched for them to be able to take on the extra work required to set up a Development Corporation and get it off the ground. It is essential that government puts some upfront funding in to get them going.
Click here to read our response in full
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