The region’s mayor has pledged to build 20,000 new social homes by the end of the decade

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) aims to increase social and affordable housebuilding through a new formal partnership with leading housing associations. 

homes for the west midlands LLP

From left: Robert Nettleton, chief executive of Bromford Housing; Gary Fulford, chief executive of whg; Richard Parker, mayor of West Midlands; Ruth Cooke, chief executive of GreenSquareAccord; Joe Reeves, executive director of Midland Heart; Nick Byrne, executive director of development at Citizen Housing

As well as the regional authority, Homes for the West Midlands limited liability partnership (LLP) includes Bromford, Citizen Housing, GreenSquareAccord, Midland Heart and whg. 

Announcing the collaboration last Friday at a modular housing factory in Walsall, mayor Richard Parker, said: “When I speak to residents, they tell me how hard it is to keep up with house prices, private rents, and mortgage rates, all of which have risen at unprecedented levels. 

“One reason for this is that we aren’t building enough homes, particularly social housing. This has left too many people living in poor conditions. 

“That’s why I’m committed to changing how we build homes in our region. I’ve set a target of 20,000 new social homes over the next decade to help tackle the housing crisis, while also training local people to get jobs building those homes.” 

The partnership comes as the number of people waiting for housing in the region is 64,000, with over 6,500 households including almost 13,000 children living in temporary accommodation. 

The LLP also aims to “meet the specific housing needs of local people” by inviting local input into project design and development.

Modern methods of construction (MMC) such as modular home manufacturing, will be used to achieve housebuilding ambitions. This approach could provide housing 40% quicker than traditional construction as a pair of factory-built semi-detached houses can be assembled in four days. It is also associated with the delivery of energy-efficient, low-carbon homes. 

The combined authority noted that the partnership will build on its existing work with the West Midlands Housing Association Partnership (WMHAP), a consortium of 17 regional companies. 

Meanwhile, planning for its first development, a “100% affordable housing scheme” on a derelict industrial site in the Black Country, is underway.

The new agreement will also help steer the delivery of the future Affordable Homes Programme, which will be devolved from Homes England to the WMCA in 2026. 

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