Mayor Dave Slams Government over National Collapse in Affordable Housebuilding

Mayor Dave Hodgson has slammed the government after official figures confirmed affordable housebuilding in England has fallen by more than 50%.

Figures published by the Department for Communities and Local Government reveal that 32,110 affordable houses were built in the past year, compared to 66,600 in the year before. The construction of social rented houses fell to as low 6,500 across the country, the lowest ever recorded.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The collapse in affordable housing delivery will deepen the housing crisis in this country and cause severe pressure on local housing markets including here in Bedford Borough.'

"The government has already overseen growing homelessness. The state of the housing market combined with government benefit changes saw the number of homeless households supported by Bedford Borough Council rise by 78% last year. The collapse in affordable housing delivery risks making things even worse, while condemning an increasing number of those who do have a home to unsuitable accommodation.'

"The Government must turn this appalling record around, and do it fast."