Today, Southwark Council published the results of a survey of 76 ‘stockholding councils (those that manage their own council homes), reporting that two thirds of council housing budgets are on the brink of collapse. Years of financial strain have forced councils across the country to reduce maintenance of council homes, cancel new build projects, and even sell off existing housing stock.
Following their major report, Securing the Future of England’s Council Housing, signed by 109 cross-party councils, including Colchester, the survey provides further evidence of the scale of crisis council housing budgets have been forced into by capped incomes, soaring costs and frequent policy changes since 2010.
As part of Colchester City Council’s Fit for the Future programme of investment and transformation to ensure long-term resilience, the council is working to develop a long-term plan to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and the future sustainability of its housing offer, in a bid to tackle this ongoing housing crisis. An assessment and reset of the future use of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is an essential part of this work to ensure the council can provide safe, warm, and efficient homes for as many people as possible.
Councillor Paul Smith, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “Whilst the Government’s implementation of recommendations made through the Securing the Future of England’s Council Housing report, such as Right to Buy reforms and the social rent settlement, are welcomed, these survey results show that there is still much work to be done to address the housing crisis.
“Like many councils, our Housing Revenue Account is now under intense strain. We’ve seen a 25% increase in temporary accommodation use over the last year, and unfortunately, the recent additional homelessness prevention funding announced simply doesn’t outweigh the challenges being faced by us and other local councils across the country.
“We are determined to continue working closely with our partners to find innovative solutions, ensure everyone has a place to call home, and continue to work with other councils to lobby Government for much-needed change.”
You can read further information from the housing budget survey here.
Colchester City Council is dedicated to creating a city where everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. By addressing pressing housing challenges, such as homelessness and affordability, the council aims to build a stronger, more resilient community for future generations.
Page last reviewed: 20 January 2025