Homes built reaches record low

Figures released today reveal that the net number of homes added to the housing stock in England fell to a record low in 2009-10, down 23% on 2008/9.

According to data published by the communities and local government department (DCLG) just 128,680 net additional dwellings were provided last year compared with around 167,000 in 2008/9.

This figure is even lower than the previous record low of 130,510 in 2001-02.

Fewer net additional dwellings were supplied in the 2009-10 financial year than in the previous year in every English region.

The North West saw the largest annual decrease (38%), followed by the South East (32%).

The figures were published a day after government announced large cuts to housing budgets in their spending review.

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the HBF, said, “There is no doubt that the previous planning system was not succeeding in delivering enough homes – but housing delivery, crucial to solving the housing crisis, is not yet increasing and in many areas has actually fallen.

“These figures reveal the extent of the housing supply problem and the need for real action now – cutting red tape and implementing incentives so we can build the homes the country needs.”