NHF response to Spending Review 2025

In response to the Chancellor's Spending Review, Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation said:

“This is a transformational package for social housing and will deliver the right conditions for a decade of renewal and growth. After years of fiercely advocating for the long-term vision and conditions needed to kickstart a generational boost in affordable housing, we are proud to have worked so closely our members and ministers to secure such a positive result for the millions of people impacted by the housing crisis and in need of a social home.

“It is the most ambitious Affordable Homes Programme we’ve seen in decades, and alongside the long-term certainty on rents, will kickstart a generational boost in the delivery of new social homes. We also welcome the consultation on the introduction of rent convergence - a mechanism that ensures social rents are equalised over time – as historic differences in rent levels severely impact the sector’s financial capacity and ability to build homes.

“Housing associations’ top priority is the safety and quality of residents’ homes. So we welcome the news on equal access to funding for building safety, the huge costs of which are impacting the development of new affordable homes, especially in London. It’s also hugely positive to see confirmation of the £13.2bn Warm Homes Plan which in essential to supporting social landlords to tackle fuel poverty and meet net zero.

“Supported housing remains in financial crisis due to years of cuts, and we will continue to call for urgent funding to prevent further vital services from closing, which in turn increases pressure on the NHS.

“This package demonstrates the government understands the foundational difference a secure and affordable home makes to people’s lives. Housing associations look forward to working in partnership with the government and with the Deputy Prime Minister, who has tirelessly championed social housing.”

Gary Orr from Abri and Catriona Simons from Guinness, the chairs of the National Delivery Group - the group of England's largest home building housing associations - said: 

“The Chancellor’s announcements today pave the way for the biggest boost to affordable house building in a generation. This significant, long-term Affordable Homes Programme – alongside the 10-year rent settlement and the consultation on how rent convergence can be implemented – will ensure that housing associations have the capacity and security to work with the government on their home building ambition. It's also hugely welcome that housing associations will also have equal access to building safety funding for social homes.

“We look forward to working with the Secretary of State on this game changing package of support to deliver the affordable housing the country sorely needs.”