Reaction to the Autumn Budget 2026

Jonathan Layzell, Stonewater's Chief Executive, reacting to the 2026 Budget:

“The announcements in today’s Budget will be welcome news for many of our customers – much-needed support on energy bills and wider cost of living measures will ease some of the burden faced by households across the country.

“It has been a significant year for the social housing sector, and we were delighted to reinforce our position as a key strategic partner for Homes England after being allocated £350million under the Social and Affordable Homes Programme. The confirmation of an additional £1.5 billion into the programme is a crucial signal that the Government recognises the appetite from the sector to deliver more in partnership with ambitious local authorities.

“As providers look ahead, what wasn’t in the Budget is just as significant as what was. Many of our customers have been able to halve their monthly energy bills thanks to retrofit works delivered, in part, through grant funding. With energy prices continuing to rise, the sector urgently needs clarity on the future of decarbonisation funding to ensure more people can benefit from warmer, more energy-efficient homes and lower household costs.

“And while the ongoing plan for devolution was referenced, the detail will be in the ‘Rewiring the State’ devolution white paper which has been delayed for several weeks. We urge the Government to publish this as soon as possible to give the sector the clarity it needs. We know that, as part of its devolution plans, Social and Affordable Homes Programme funding will be devolved to regional mayors, with an emphasis on new council housing. There is an opportunity for housing associations to place a crucial role, not just to support delivery of more affordable homes, but also to help upskill local authority staff and equip them to start delivering more council homes at speed.

“With over 1.3 million households on social housing waiting lists across England, more than 130,000 households in temporary accommodation, and council spending on temporary approaching nearly £3 billion every year, the urgent need for accelerated delivery of affordable homes cannot be understated.”