Birmingham City Council has joined more than 100 local authorities across England in calling on the Government to address the nation’s “broken council housing finances.” The plea comes ahead of next week’s Autumn Budget and urges the Government to confront the “unsustainable” debt levels councils are struggling with, a burden previously allocated by national policy.
This joint statement follows the publication of *Securing the Future of Council Housing*, a report revealing the growing financial crisis within the council housing sector. Supported by 109 councils, the report emphasises that council housing finances are at breaking point, largely due to a £2.2 billion shortfall expected to hit council budgets by 2028 if no action is taken.
The report and statement highlight the urgent need for new government investment in council housing, including a proposed Green and Decent Homes Programme aimed at improving living standards while meeting sustainability goals. The statement praises the new administration’s commitment to a “council housing revolution” and calls the upcoming Budget and spending review a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to secure the future of council housing.
Councillor Jayne Francis, Birmingham’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, underscored the vital role council homes play in fostering stable and healthy communities. “Council homes are so much more than bricks and mortar – they are a cornerstone of a better life,” Francis stated. She pointed out that Birmingham currently has around 25,000 people on the housing register awaiting homes and emphasised that quality housing provides essential stability.
“We’re calling on the Government to use this Budget to fix England’s council housing finances, address unsustainable debt, and ensure future generations in Birmingham and beyond have the council homes they need,” added Francis.