Amanda Williams, Chief Investment Officer, Aster Group, responds to the Autumn Statement

Amanda Williams, Chief Investment Officer, Aster Group, said:

 “We’re encouraged to hear the renewed commitment to reform the planning system to ‘guarantee’ faster timelines, including additional funding to tackle backlogs in local planning authorities. The £110m investment into nutrient mitigation schemes will go some way to supporting the sector as we play our part in tackling the chronic housing shortage. That said, we’ll want to see the detail behind both announcements to understand the extent of their potential impact from a housing development perspective.

“The housing crisis also requires another rethink in terms of supply though. As conditions improve, it will be important to see consideration given to supporting alternative delivery options, such as community land trusts (CLTs), which can help tackle the lack of affordable housing while being sensitive to the needs of local communities.

 “Similarly, in relation to home ownership, the extension of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme to the end of June 2025 will undoubtedly help support those trying to get on the housing ladder. In this space, we continue to see a strong appetite for shared ownership homes, which offer a stepping stone to ownership as well as a secure alternative to privately renting.”