‘Action needed’ to boost self-build

Local authorities must be given a greater say on housing projects, while pension funds and other investment funds should be encouraged to invest in building new homes.

The report by MPs on the Commons Communities and Local Government Select Committee found more than 230,000 households were forming each year in England, but last year only 110,000 new homes were built.

Sheffield Labour MP Clive Betts, who chairs the committee, said: “There is no silver bullet. We have to muster all the resources we can. The Government’s housing strategy has made a useful start and we hope many of its measures will provide a stimulus over the short to medium term.

“But we need more action if we are to see significant long-term improvement in housing supply.”

He said self-build schemes could be a major source of housing but institutional change was needed.