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Housing Delivery Test: Where are we in the north?

At the end of 2019, the Government published data confirming that there were 59,479 net dwelling completions across the north of England over the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019.

Housing Supply: net additional dwellings, England: 2018 to 2019 presents estimates of changes in the size of dwelling stock in England due to house building completions, conversions, changes of use, demolitions and other changes to the dwelling stock.

The data is crucial for calculating the Housing Delivery Test (HDT). The HDT aims to identify those local authorities that have not delivered the necessary level of housing over the previous three years. The following consequences are imposed on local authorities who fail to deliver the necessary level of housing:

  • Local authorities who deliver less than 95% of their housing requirement must prepare an action plan identifying measures to improve delivery.
  • Local authorities who deliver less than 85% of their housing requirement are subject to a 20% buffer on their housing requirement.
  • For 2019/2020 local authorities who deliver less than 45% of their housing requirement will be subject to the National Planning Policy Framework’s presumption in favour of sustainable development.

Using the published housing figures, including an adjustment for new student and communal accommodation, we have calculated an estimate of the HDT figures for the 70 northern authorities (the HDT does not apply to National Parks), the results of which are presented below. The HDT looks back at delivery over the last three years, therefore 2019/2020 is the first year that the Government’s Standard Housing Method is to form part of the calculation.

Housing Delivery Test - northern local authorities

The Government had intended to publish the 2019/20 HDT scores in November 2019, although this was delayed as a result of the General Election.

Our estimate indicates that none of the 70 local authorities across the north of England have a HDT score that would impose the presumption in favour of sustainable development. However, 13 local authorities have HDT scores lower than 85%, and their housing requirements will be subject to a 20% buffer. A further three local authorities have HDT scores lower than 95% and will be required to produce action plans.

Housing Delivery Test scores for the north of England

If you have any questions relating to the HDT or the supply of housing in your area please contact Mike O’Brien or Paul Forshaw.

14 January 2019

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