Building Communities: Making Place a Home

Government statistics showing that between March and June almost 40,000 fewer homes were built in England and Wales as a result of Covid-19, is the most stark indication yet of the impact the pandemic has had on the housing sector. These figures also highlight the wider impact for local communities given the subsequent loss of local contributions and community benefits that come with the development of new homes. 30,394 new homes were completed in Q2 2020, less than half of the 69,100 built in the same period last year, a staggering decline when, had it not been for Covid-19, the industry was planning for year-on-year growth.

The report outlines government figures which demonstrate that developer contributions to communities through Section 106 agreements and other mechanisms in the last year has been over £7 billion. In sector specific contributions, enough has been invested in education to recruit 8,500 new teachers, in green spaces to plant 8.6 million trees, raised in council tax to build 25,000 miles of road or fill 53 million potholes. The home building industry has also played a key role in helping local communities respond to the devasting impact of Covid-19 by supplying PPE, donating funds and creating new spaces where people can be treated safely.

• 38,700 fewer homes were built in Q2 2020 compared to Q2 2019, when industry was planning for year on year growth had it not been for Covid-19
• This comes as a new report from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) highlights that £7billion was contributed by developers to communities in the past year and highlights the risk of community benefits lost as a result of these homes not being built
• Developer contributions in the last year are enough to build 25,000 miles of new road, recruit over 8,500 teachers, and plant 8.6 million trees, demonstrating the community benefits of building new homes