WORCESTERSHIRE would get a cash injection almost £24million if more affordable homes were built to tackle the housing crisis, the National Housing Federation has revealed.
More than 500 full-time jobs would also be created or sustained in the county but experts have warned a total of 634 houses need to be constructed every year to keep pace with demand.
The West Midlands as a whole would get a shot in the arm of £263million if it met the property quota but last year’s total of just 1,790 is less than a third of the 7,000 needed.
Across the country there is a demand for 78,500 affordable units annually which would see £3.6billion pumped into the economy and support more than 71,000 full-time jobs.
Gemma Duggan, West Midlands manager at the National Housing Federation, said: “There are simply not enough affordable homes being built in the West Midlands.
“People across the region are struggling to find the homes they need at a price they can afford.
“The numbers show that new homes are more than roofs over heads, they bring wealth to local areas and improve job prospects, that is why we are asking politicians commit to ending the housing crisis by building more homes now.”
Vic Allison, deputy managing director at Wychavon District Council, said: “One of our top priorities is to enable more housing that meets local needs, that includes helping to deliver more affordable housing and bringing long-term empty homes back into use.
“In 2013/2014, we delivered 233 of the 709 affordable homes across Worcestershire – more than any other council in Worcestershire.
“The South Worcestershire Development Plan seeks to make provision for up to 2,500 more affordable homes up to 2030.
“Working with our housing partners, Rooftop Housing and Fortis Living, we have already delivered a broad range of affordable housing right throughout the district – from bungalows and two bedroomed properties, to family homes, carbon neutral homes
and homes for former members of the armed forces.
“We will continue to work with our partners on other ambitious projects that benefit the people and the communities most in need of affordable housing,” he added.
