Housing pressure group, Shelter has called on private sector companies to work more closely with local councils to make land available for more affordable homes and new social housing. The group has welcomed a series measures in a Green Paper from housing minister, Caroline Flint, to help first-time buyers and encourage closer partnership working between the public and private sector, and give councils a greater role in providing homes. Chief executive, Adam Sampson, stressed: ‘Solutions can only be achieved if the private sector works with local authorities to make the best use of public land available for development.' ‘Buying up surplus housing stock offers a quick-fix way to generate more affordable and social rented homes – but they must be the right homes in the right places if they are to make a difference.' Chris Leslie, director of the New Local Government Network, said: ‘Councils have a proud tradition of building and maintaining social housing for their communities. This goes a long way to redressing the balance.' Sarah Webb, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, stressed the importance of plans for councils to operate mortgage rescue schemes for existing homeowners.
