New statistics show that in 2017, just 44% of homes constructed through government funding programmes in England were for social or affordable rent in 2017.
The figures from Homes England indicate that in 2017/18, 17,159 affordable rent homes and 1,409 socially rented properties were funded by the government – the lowest cumulative figure since records began. It also represents a 19.5% fall on the previous year.
Of the 42,652 homes which received direct financial funding from Homes England, those for social and affordable rent made up a 44% share, the smallest proportion since 2009/10, when the current run of statistics began.
The statistics also indicate a substantial growth in levels of affordable homeownership, or shared ownership starts, which grew by 52% to 9,184.
The other 14,747 housing starts which were funded by the government were to be sold or rented as products for full market value.
Compared to 2016/17, starts of socially rented homes grew annually from 950 to 1,409 – significantly lower than 2009/10 peak of 28,859, prior to funding being directed to higher ‘affordable’ rent products.
Affordable rented homes were recorded at 17,159 – a fall of 22.4% on last year’s figure.
Expressing dismay at the figures was shadow housing secretary for the Labour party, John Healey. He said: “These shocking figures show that the number of government-funded social rented homes being built has fallen by almost 90% since 2010.
“A year since Theresa May admitted that the Conservatives haven’t given enough attention to social housing, it’s clear ministers are still not building the homes the country needs.”
