Simon Hughes launches new Bill to help fund social housing improvements

Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes is stepping up his campaign to allow councils to use money received from developers to build or improve social housing.

The MP for North Southwark & Bermondsey will tomorrow seek to obtain a second reading for his Private Members Bill in the last session of parliament before the General Election.

Mr Hughes’ Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Amendment) Bill, would write into law a provision to allow local authorities to use the money they receive from developers to improve existing social homes or build new ones.

At present councils are restricted to using the money to fund infrastructure projects or community projects - even where infrastructure is already of a high standard.

This restriction has led to some cases where money has been used to finance projects of marginal importance - such as in Tower Hamlets where money was spent on chiropody sessions for local residents.

According to Mr Hughes, across England there is a social housing crisis with too few homes and many of them in a state of disrepair.

Speaking ahead of the bill coming before the Commons, Simon Hughes said: “Ever since becoming a member of parliament 26 years ago fighting for improved social housing for London’s residents has been one of my top priorities.

“In today’s tough financial times councils need new and innovative ways of funding the repairs and new homes that Londoners and millions more people around the country urgently need.

“New developments often cause disruption and grief for existing local residents who can’t understand why they often get no help to improve their own housing or to see more new affordable homes built in the local community. My bill will change this

“If my bill becomes law everyone is a winner. This bill will help councils to fund urgent improvements to local housing, and help individuals and families who are waiting for a home or improvement of their home to have the decent housing they need.”