Crucial role of housing recognised in Budget 2020

11 March 2020

The fresh investment and measures announced in today’s Budget ‘recognised the importance of creating great places and affordable homes’ said Mark Washer, Sovereign Housing’s Chief Executive.

“The Chancellor clearly recognised the importance and long-term benefits to people and places of investing in quality homes”, said Mark. “The measures unveiled today – particularly the expanded and extended Affordable Homes Programme, but also investment in building safety, the Rough Sleeping Initiative and more support for mayors and councils – will be key in making more new homes possible.” 

“However, we will need to see the fine print. I firmly believe that all types of homes, whether to rent or to own, are required to create genuinely great places to live – as well as to help tackle homelessness and reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation. 

“Sovereign will play its part; building more, investing in the quality and sustainability of existing homes and buildings, and providing a range of services that can help people ‘level up’ over the long-term.

“Finally, while this is a step forward, we still need to make the case for housing to be recognised as an essential part of the nation’s infrastructure, as much a part of a successful economy as roads, rail, schools and health.” 

Sovereign is one of the largest housing associations in the country, managing around 60,000 homes across the south of England. It is also a leading developer of new affordable homes, with ambitious plans to build nearly 10,000 new homes over the next five years. Along with a focus on creating well-designed and sustainable communities, nine of ten of Sovereign’s new homes will be for social or affordable rent or to buy for shared ownership.