In Plain English
AI-generatedMay contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
The Council Housing (Direct Investment) Bill would let councils and other public bodies invest directly in building and maintaining council homes. It aims to boost the supply of affordable housing by widening how council housing is funded beyond private lenders or housing associations. The bill is at the 2nd reading stage in the House of Commons and began in the Commons in 2007.
Key Points
- It would allow direct investment in council housing by public authorities, enabling funding and development decisions to be made directly rather than through private lenders.
- Councils could fund and develop new council homes directly, potentially using borrowing or public funds.
- The Bill aims to increase the supply of affordable council homes by diversifying funding sources and reducing reliance on private finance or housing associations.
- It would set governance, oversight and accountability rules for such investment within existing housing and local government law.
Progress
The Bill is currently at the Second Reading in the House of Commons. Its first reading occurred in June 2007, and there is no record here of further stages.
Who is affected?
Council tenants and potential council tenantsLocal authorities and council housing departmentsLocal residents and communities in areas with council housingTaxpayers and the public purseConstruction, development and housing industry (builders, developers, suppliers)Housing associations and related organisations (indirectly)
Generated 21 February 2026
