This week's announcement of a £39 billion investment in affordable housing marks a welcome and long overdue shift in national policy. At Changing Lives, we see the devastating impact of housing insecurity every day. We know that the lack of genuinely affordable homes is one of the biggest barriers preventing people from rebuilding their lives.
This 10-year commitment sends a strong signal that the government recognises the scale of the housing crisis. Long-term investment and rent stability are essential foundations to reducing homelessness and supporting people with complex needs to live safely and independently.
However, finance alone is not enough. We echo the concerns of others in the sector that this promise must be matched with urgent action to tackle the planning, delivery and funding barriers that currently hold back progress—especially in the supported housing sector, which remains at risk. Without ring-fenced investment in homelessness prevention and housing-led support, too many people will continue to fall through the cracks.
We also recognise that this level of investment must be paid for. In a context of already overstretched public finances, we are concerned about the potential for future cuts to services that vulnerable people rely on. Any such cuts risk undermining the very aims this housing pledge seeks to achieve.
Equally, housing alone cannot address the complex realities of people’s lives. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing uncertainty surrounding welfare reform. The lack of clarity, delays, and drawn-out assessment processes, particularly around Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are causing significant stress and mental anguish for many people using our services. These issues must be addressed in parallel to ensure people have both the homes and the income security needed to thrive.
Changing Lives stands ready to work with partners across government, local authorities and the housing sector to ensure that this funding translates into real change—building the homes and support systems people need to move forward with dignity and hope.
