Preston City Council is to regain control over its social housing stock after two decades, sparking hopes that it will help address the city's persistent shortage of quality affordable homes. The move comes as the council has officially registered as a local authority provider of social housing, allowing it to build and manage properties directly once again.
The council's first step in this direction is the proposed acquisition of 18 homes from a developer, for which an offer has already been accepted. While these properties will be owned by the council, a separate company will handle day-to-day management tasks such as repairs and regulatory compliance.
Preston Council Leader Councillor Matthew Brown believes that regaining direct ownership is crucial to tackling the city's affordable housing crisis, which has seen extensive waiting lists and rising pressure on households in private rented accommodation. He points out that only a small proportion of new homes delivered in Preston over recent years have been available at social rent levels.
The council notes that in the last five years it has seen more than 1,700 affordable homes delivered via registered providers or purchased from private developers – yet less than 10% of these were made available at social rent. Councillor Brown hopes that re-establishing direct ownership will help provide a 'more stable and sustainable solution' for those in need.
With many councils now exploring ways to take a more direct role in addressing the housing crisis, this move by Preston City Council reflects growing recognition of the need for local authorities to play a greater part in delivering affordable homes.