We’ve taken this information from the Planning Resource website;
A new commission set up by the government and the Local Government Association (LGA) is to examine ways to boost the supply of affordable homes.
The Commission, to be chaired by LGA president Lord Richard Best and made up of council chief executives, housing association chief executives and academics, will assess how councils are currently meeting the need for affordable homes for rent and for first time buyers, and how this can be expanded.
It will also consider how local authority assets and land can be best used for housing and what extra skills and expertise are needed by council staff.
Housing and planning minister John Healey said: “These experts in housing and local government will look at how councils can extend their strategic housing role to better meet local needs and aspirations.
“I want ideas about what councils can do themselves, and what they can do working with others, such as housebuilders and housing association partners, using the full range of powers at their disposal, and any potential new powers deemed necessary. I look forward to receiving their report in the Summer and am confident it will help strengthen this new era of council housebuilding already underway.”
The Commission will report to Government and the LGA in the summer.