Crisis responds to the Government's announcement today of £2bn for new homes in England from 2022

Chief Executive of Crisis Jon Sparkes said:

"We welcome the news that the government is planning to allocate £2bn to build new homes in England from 2022. This is a step in the right direction for housing associations who, for the first time, might benefit from long-term commitments of funding, so long as future governments honour this.

"While this is a good start, these measures are not enough to tackle and end homelessness in England. Our research shows that 90,000 homes need to be built at social rent levels every year for the next 15 years, to meet demand amongst those on the lowest incomes. Today's financial commitment does not cover this.

“Homelessness has a severe impact not only on the people who experience it, but on everyone in our communities. The government must invest much more in homes at social rents for people on the lowest incomes, take steps to ensure land for housing is released at affordable prices, and give councils more borrowing flexibility to play a full part in meeting the need for social rented homes. Only when the government fully commits to these policies will we end homelessness for good.”