ROTHER District Council has been selected to be a frontrunner for a new service aimed at boosting housebuilding.
The Council Housebuilding Support Service (CHoSS) will provide tailored support to help councils establish, enhance, or accelerate delivery of high-quality, affordable council homes.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has funded the Local Government Association (LGA) to provide bespoke support to councils shaped by their specific needs.
Rother District Council is among 10 councils chosen to join the programme whilst helping to co-design it for use by councils across the country.
Councillor Ruairi McCourt, portfolio holder for housing at Rother District Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to tap into expert advice, peer learning and other support whilst helping to shape the programme for councils across the country.
Affordable housing to make a real difference
“We recognise the importance of having enough quality, affordable housing for our residents and communities, but there are often barriers and challenges that can be difficult to overcome. Whilst we have had some success in delivering council-led development, we know there is much more we can do to provide high quality, affordable homes and give our residents a chance to remain in the communities…We look forward to working with the LGA and helping to shape the support that is going to make a real difference to other council and communities across the country.”
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA, said: “This new programme comes at a critical time for local government. Councils want to do more to deliver the council houses their communities need, and this initiative will give them the tools, advice and support to do just that.
“The CHoSS programme is a positive step forward in unlocking the potential of councils to drive local housing delivery at scale, and we are pleased to be working with government on this shared ambition.”
The other nine councils selected are Eastbourne Borough Council, Cornwall Council, Newcastle City Council, Salford City Council, London Borough of Merton, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Wirral Council, and Southampton City Council.
For more information go to: https://www.rother.gov.uk/
