Peterborough needs more social rent housing

On 29th September, an extraordinary council meeting was called regarding the local plan and the withdrawal of Drysides. The Green Party had been working on a motion to bring to council that would alter the local plan to include a minimum of 15% social rent housing on all developments of 15 dwellings or more.

Rather than submit a motion later, we took the opportunity to put forward an amendment to the local plan. All parties agreed that the amendment should be considered by cabinet, including cabinet themselves. Sadly just two days later, cabinet rejected the plans citing that this would not be “viable” according to developers.

This is at a time when the Prime Ministers own city has approved a minimum of 21% social rent housing and the labour government is promising more social homes for people all over the country. Many councils are including higher levels that 15% social housing, while Peterborough’s local plan does not specify a minimum at all.

From April 2023 to March 2025, a total of 96 social rent homes were built in this city, averaging 32 homes per year. Peterborough’s housing register currently has just short of 3000 applicants.

The Housing and Economic Needs Assessment states that 59.2% of households in need of affordable housing can only afford social rent unless they receive additional financial support to cover housing costs. In a time when vulnerable people are often blamed for costing the taxpayer money, why then, are we still considering “affordable rent” to be acceptable over “social rent”?

Social rent housing would allow people who need housing security to live without having to choose between heating their homes or filling their bellies. It is a crucial safety net for those most in need, from the mothers fleeing domestic abuse to young people leaving care and starting out on their own.

Home security is shown to have huge benefits not just to individuals and families by reducing stress, even improving sleep but also societal value. When people feel safe, they are finally able to consider going back into employment, get more involved in their community and even reduces pressure on the NHS.

Ultimately, Peterborough City Council needs to put its residents needs above those of developers and look at the long term benefits of provide more secure, truly affordable housing in this city before we become just another area making money for landlords.

This is not a party political issue, this is a city wide issue. That is why we are asking residents to comment on the local plan in support of more social rent housing rather than shared ownership or the significantly more expensive affordable housing. The deadline for comments on the local plan is the 12th November.