Warrington needs ‘new and cheaper’ houses

A report on housing will come before the scrutiny committee at its meeting on Tuesday.

It outlines the general picture around housing within the borough, the role taken by the council and the registered providers in place and to act as a ‘background brief’ for the members of the committee in considering questions that they may wish to pose to the registered providers that have been invited to the committee.

The report states that good health is an asset that the council will support and build on, and good quality homes and communities will help to achieve it.

“There are still people who are currently not fully benefitting from the opportunities presented by a growing economy and whose quality of life falls short of the level that they have a right to expect,” it said.

“Creating equality across our housing market, regardless of tenure, and the reduction of homelessness, are primary objectives of our housing strategy.

“The council continues to be a key player in driving forward Warrington’s success, and our priority is to help Warrington grow and prosper.

“By 2038, our population will grow by 11 per cent. This equates to over 22,000 more people living in Warrington.

“To underpin this growth, we will strategically plan, invest, and intervene in the housing market to ensure that our housing offer and the supporting infrastructure ensures that people have access to affordable, safe, low energy homes.”

Furthermore, the report says ‘we need new houses and cheaper houses’.

It adds: “We have seen large numbers of new homes in Warrington – 1,400 last year – but not cheaper homes or growth in household salaries so increasing pressures in terms of homelessness and affordability generally.

“Census data indicate that borough housing stock increased at a higher rate than population between 2011 and 2022 but waiting list trebled.

“The borough lost around 3,000 social homes between 2011-2021; losing on average around 180 annually. We have approximately 15,300 affordable properties and approximately 11,900 social rent properties.

“In Warrington, nearly 7,000 households are on the waiting list. The requirement from this waiting list is approximately 3,700 one bed, 2,300 two-bed, 800 three-bed and 200 four or more bed properties.

“Waiting time is now over 18 months and only 11 per cent of new affordable homes were for social rent.”

The committee is recommended to note the contents of the report and to consider any further scrutiny work that may be required.