Twenty-one councils have been successful in their applications to the LGA’s 2022/23 Housing Advisers Programme (HAP), an innovative scheme to help councils overcome housing challenges in their local areas.
The programme funds the provision of independent expertise for councils undertaking specific projects to tackle the effects of the affordable housing crisis, with more than 150 projects supported by the LGA in the previous five years.
This year, up to £20,000 has been awarded to each project for expert advice to drive forward locally led solutions to housing challenges.
The projects include innovative approaches to support green retrofit, exploration of the potential of modern methods of construction to provide temporary accommodation, work with disabled people to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of new developments, and support to help councils deliver more local homes in challenging times.
Following the programme, the knowledge and expertise developed will be shared with other councils and become part of the LGA’s sector-led improvement offer.
Cllr David Renard, LGA Housing Spokesperson, said: “HAP has delivered huge benefits to councils since it was first launched, helping local areas address the challenges of the housing crisis.
“It has proven an excellent source of knowledge and expertise for councils, sharing innovative ideas and ways to improve, whether it’s building new homes, tackling homelessness, or planning thriving and flourishing places and economies.”