Council Leader Takes Housing Fight to Parliament

Parliamentary inquiry into housing crisis

Stephen Holt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, is set to give evidence before the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Council and Social Housing. The inquiry is exploring the barriers preventing councils from building and acquiring social housing at a time of rising homelessness and housing waiting lists.

Cllr Holt will present evidence alongside leaders from Lewes and Hastings councils, drawing on a joint submission highlighting the challenges facing local authorities across the country.

Calls for national investment

Cllr Holt said: "The housing emergency in Eastbourne is not unique. Councils across the country continue to spend vast amounts of money on temporary accommodation because there simply are not enough genuinely affordable homes available for local people. We need a national response that matches the scale of the challenge. That means significant investment in council and social housing, reforms that help local authorities deliver new homes and stronger financial support for councils dealing with the growing pressures of homelessness."

The joint submission from the three councils identifies soaring temporary accommodation costs, land constraints and limited housing budgets as key obstacles. It calls for greater investment in social housing to address the growing crisis.

Cllr Mark Slater, cabinet member for housing at Lewes District Council, said: "This joint submission highlights the reality facing local authorities and the barriers that continue to restrict council housebuilding. We welcome this Parliamentary inquiry and the opportunity to make the case for the long-term investment, funding reforms and practical support needed to deliver more social and affordable homes for current and future generations."

Long-term support needed

The councils argue they are ready to build more social housing but are hampered by high construction costs, borrowing expenses and maintenance costs, as well as limited access to affordable development finance.

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for housing, said: "We need a commitment from the government to longer-term funding and support so we can build more housing and provide safe and secure homes for all our residents."

Cllr Holt has previously hosted a housing summit attended by 158 councils from across the country, demonstrating his commitment to tackling the issue at a national level.

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