G15 group of housing associations issues s106 guidance for developers
The G15 group of London's largest housing associations has published new guidance on s106 contributions, urging early collaboration and shared decision-making in S106 affordable housing delivery.
The guidance, which is set out in a report entitled ''Building Together, Building Better: Rethinking S106 for Affordable Housing Delivery'', sets out a framework for developers to work together with the affordable housing sector.
Key recommendations from the report include involving affordable housing providers at the early stages of development projects, ideally during pre-planning or land acquisition phases.
In addition, it urges developers and their affordable housing partners to collaborate throughout projects, including engaging with multiple housing association stakeholders at key points.
The report outlines a series of principles and standards for s106 agreements, which are grouped into the following areas:
- Pre-planning and scheme requirements
- Design and construction standards
- Land, planning and legal framework
- Handover and post-completion obligations
- Operational management and maintenance.
The G15's members own or manage more than 770,000 homes across the country, house around one in ten Londoners, and build more than 10,000 new homes each year.
In its report, the G15 described s106 agreements as an "essential way of meeting the demand for housing across the country".
However, the report notes concerns voiced by housing associations over the quality and design of some of the homes acquired through these agreements, as well as the timing in which they are built.
"Unless expectations [between developers and housing associations] are aligned, these issues will continue to undermine the provision of affordable housing", the report said.
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, Chair of G15 and Chief Executive of housing association L&Q, said: "As housing associations, our primary mission is to deliver high quality, affordable homes for those who are most in need.
"S106 agreements are a vital way of providing these, but they often provide limited opportunities for social landlords to influence the design of these places or how they will be managed in the long-term."
A spokesperson for Homes England meanwhile commented: "Section 106 plays a crucial role in delivering much needed social and affordable housing – and will be important in helping the Government deliver 1.5m new homes over this parliament.
"For it to continue to be an effective delivery route and meet local housing needs, it's clear that there needs to be close collaboration, early engagement and strong partnerships between housing associations, local authorities and housebuilders.
"This guidance provides a practical framework to help align expectations and values across the sector, as part of wider efforts to improve the S106 market."
Adam Carey
