This is something that was done by the previous government, and which this government wishes to continue. Because the promise does not specify the number of deals to be signed, we will consider it ‘done’ if a few are signed already.
Before Theresa May’s government took power, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Sheffield City Council, and Newark and Sherwood Homes had already sat down with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to discuss better borrowing flexibility for housing.
Since then, this government has engaged in discussions with others such as Winchester City Council for this same purpose.
The UK and Scottish governments also agreed in July 2017 to offer £125 million to local authorities to help fund a 10-year affordable housing programme in Edinburgh and South East Scotland.
Technically, we consider this ‘done’, as deals have been signed. However, it is important to track the progress of future agreements, to determine how much emphasis the government is placing on council housing deals. Watch this space!
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