Home | Your Council | News and communications | July news | July news
July news
New social housing is back on the agenda after 25 years
Portsmouth City Council is one of the first local authorities in England to qualify for Housing Corporation funding to recommence development of social housing after a break of over 25 years.
Portsmouth Social Housing Limited, a special purpose vehicle (SPV), has been created by the council to expand the range of social housing available in the Portsmouth. It will provide a dedicated resource of expertise and protect Government subsidy investment through its charitable status. It will make a significant contribution to alleviating the council’s housing waiting list.
The Government's Green Paper on ‘Homes for the Future’ in July 2007 allowed local authorities to rejoin in social housing development by applying for the creation of an SPV. Portsmouth City Council will be able to apply for substantial subsidy for the cost of construction which will ensure that social housing development is viable.
Launce Morgan, Housing Development Manager, said: “It's exciting times to see quality social housing back on the agenda for the country and to see Portsmouth City Council as one of the leaders in the field. We expect construction of new social housing in Portsmouth to start as early as the beginning of 2009.”
Cllr Steven Wylie, Portsmouth City Council’s Executive Member for Housing, said: “This means a great deal for the people of Portsmouth. We are proud of being able to once again regenerate areas of the city to provide good quality, affordable social housing for people where the quality of life is top of the agenda.
“We will be working in partnership with local residents to ensure that we provide the right accommodation. This is a huge opportunity for the city and great for the future development of Portsmouth.”
