Member Article

Thirteen Group on Board Cross-Party MPs’ Housing Plan

Homes for the North has launched an ambitious charter, backed by local Thirteen, and cross-party MPs.

Housing company, Thirteen, which is this year building 400 new homes, has welcomed the charter which relates closely to its own objectives.

The charter, “Rebalancing the Economy: Building the Northern Homes We Need”, sets out four key asks that could help boost the northern economy:

1. A regional housing target to build at least 50,000 homes per year in the north
2. A requirement that local authorities in the north align their Local Industrial Strategies with housing supply plans
3. The establishment of a powerful pan-northern body charged with ensuring that housing and infrastructure are planned together over the long term
4. A new type of ‘renewal deal’ between government, combined and local authorities, and housing associations that would focus on, combining existing investment streams in housing, transport, and local economic development

The Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry and the Shadow Secretary of State, John Healey, welcomed the plans to put good quality homes at the heart of the northern growth agenda and to integrate housing and transport infrastructure more closely.

Thirteen, the largest landlord in the North East, is committed to building high quality homes and delivering positive outcomes for its communities. Last year, it invested £29million in developing new homes, and this year it will build 400 affordable properties.

Ian Wardle, Chief Executive of Thirteen, said: “At Thirteen we’re committed to investing in our neighbourhoods and making a major contribution to the regeneration of the Tees Valley, investing in quality housing and growing opportunities. “Housing is an inextricable factor in regeneration. This campaign is fundamental to recognising the role of high quality accommodation in economic development.”

Carol Matthews, chair of Homes for the North, said: “Previous research reveals that the North needs 500,000 homes over the next ten years just to keep pace with current demand. “A new approach is needed to get the good quality homes we need across the region. We hope that our Charter – and our work with Transport for the North – will provide the blueprint for achieving that potential.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .