Places for People responds to government’s five-step plan to deliver a ‘decade of renewal for social and affordable housing'

Responding to Government’s five-step plan to deliver a ‘decade of renewal for social and affordable housing’, Places for People’s Group CEO Greg Reed said:

“Yesterday's announcement signals a Government with its sleeves rolled up ready to tackle the housing crisis with clarity and conviction.

“In the past year, our sector has seen the reform and investment it has craved and been united in calling for. Government’s new five-step plan now further cements the foundations for a decade of social housing renewal.

“Strategic moves to prioritise new social housing and limit losses through Right to Buy are welcome steps that could reduce waiting lists and transform lives – especially for the 165,000 children stuck in temporary accommodation.

“We’ve long championed housebuilding and last summer ran our campaign, Time to Build. In 2024/25, we delivered 2,296 new homes – 1,357 of them for social or affordable rent – through the largest pipeline in our sector. With the backing and trust of Government, we can maintain this momentum.

“We welcome the consultation on rent convergence and the clarity promised by updates to the Decent Homes Standard, which will help us raise the quality of our existing stock.

“Government is right to also focus on rebuilding our sector’s capacity to borrow and invest. At PfP, we will continue to explore complementary financial solutions to meet the dual challenge of building new homes and maintaining existing ones.

“We now eagerly await Government’s plans for supported housing, and these must be set out in its Long-Term Housing Strategy later this year. Communities only thrive when they support everyone – including older people,  those homeless, and people fleeing domestic abuse. We’ll continue to push for urgent investment in these vital services and do our bit by building bespoke supported housing schemes in priority regions.

“Housing, health, and wellbeing are the pillars of a strong society and PfP integrates them like nobody else. We’re proud to deliver at scale and pace, and we’re committed to keeping that momentum.

“Yesterday’s five-step plan raises the bar for the future of housing and gives providers like PfP a running start. We’re ready to keep working alongside Government to turn its plan into new homes and deliver positive change for Customers and Communities.”