Housing: Rent Levels

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton Excerpts

Tuesday 16th July 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

I suppose I should ask the noble Lord which genius created these problems. Part of the challenge for this Government is to look at the current crisis. As I indicated, we have embarked on the biggest housebuilding programme both in the private rented sector and in affordable housing. The noble Lord raised housing benefit. The Government have looked at it. It is being raised by CPI, and it will be raised by another 1%, but generally the party opposite should not look at a picture of gloom. There is a picture of optimism emerging in terms of housing for the long term. That will be seen over the next few years.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton]

Will the Minister explain why, if the Government’s policy of building more houses is so good, it is not starting now?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

It is starting now. We have already committed to build 170,000 new homes by 2015 and a further 30,000 by 2017. As recent announcements have indicated, another 10,000 homes will be on line as well. Over the next four years, 200,000 homes will be coming on line by 2018. That is putting the record straight.