Securing the Future of Council Housing: Five Solutions from Over 100 of England’s Council Landlords

This report, produced by over 100 council landlords from across England, outlines a comprehensive plan to secure the future of council housing. It identifies the challenges facing council housing, including financial strain, policy instability, and the need for significant investment in existing and new housing. The report offers five key solutions: (1) Establishing a new sustainable Housing Revenue Account (HRA) model to stabilize finances, (2) Reforming the Right to Buy policy to reduce stock loss, (3) Removing red tape on funding to improve housing delivery, (4) Ensuring council homes meet modern quality and safety standards, and (5) Increasing the supply of new council homes to meet rising demand. The report highlights the need for a long-term partnership between local councils and the central government, particularly regarding funding and policy reforms. The solutions presented are designed to address the significant £2.2 billion financial deficit expected by 2028, ensure the provision of quality homes for vulnerable communities, and create a pathway for future housing development. The authors emphasize that without immediate intervention, council housing will face severe challenges, impacting millions of people who rely on affordable, secure homes.