Housing: Social and Affordable Rents

Debate between Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth and Lord Richard

Monday 11th September 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth]

My Lords, my noble friend will be aware that the recent housing White Paper sets out many of the things that we are doing. In addition to the affordable homes programme to which I referred, there is a housing infrastructure fund of £2.3 billion, new town development corporations delivering garden towns, and a land release fund that was launched in August 2017—just last month. Increased planning fees are coming on stream, which will help, and we are doing bespoke housing deals as well.

[Lord Richard (Lab)]

My Lords, how do the Government define affordable housing?

[Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth]

My Lords, the noble Lord raises an interesting point. Affordable housing is at about 80% of market rates. That is the rough assessment.