Herefordshire Council, a no-stock local authority, has approved plans to establish a council-owned housing development company to address the county’s urgent need for affordable and social housing. The decision follows recommendations from the connected communities scrutiny committee, based on a report by consultancy Three Dragons. With over 2,100 households on the affordable housing waiting list and 156 in temporary accommodation, the county needs to deliver 597 affordable homes annually. The proposal to create a Housing Revenue Account (HRA), allowing the council to directly develop and manage housing, was rejected due to high financial risks and the need for at least 1,000 properties to break even. The decision is set to take effect on 13 March unless challenged.
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