South West Housing Charter

We recognise that we need to at least double the number of new and affordable homes currently being built in the South West each year to enable our local communities to thrive and our local businesses to grow and create jobs.

Why?

Because:

• Providing sufficient homes is vital to the region's economy, by making it possible to retain the region's key workers and young people.
• The South West's economy is dependent on Britain's largest proportion of small employers, who need sufficient availability of affordable homes to enable them to recruit and retain key employees;
• The South West also needs to provide affordable homes for key workers in the public sector (teachers, nurses, fire-fighters, refuse collectors, social service employees, etc), low-paid essential workers (care-home staff, farm workers etc) and seasonal workers in key sectors such as tourism;
• The South West is creating 25,000 new households each year, at a time when less than half that number of homes are being built;
• The South West is unique in having higher than average house prices but lower than average earnings

What does that mean?

• South West councils must facilitate the identification of land and manage planning consents for at least 25,000 homes each year;
• Those councils must be helped and supported in resolving this difficult challenge: the SWHI has proof that those homes can be provided in ways that –
  • Secure the support of, and enhance local communities – and local property values;
  • Ensure better infrastructure and facilities;
  • Provide affordable homes for the region's young people and key workers (in both public and private sectors);
  • Meet the highest standards of design and environmental performance.