A brake on the number of homes being built in the UK has led to a collective one million shortfall, according to a speaker at a major housing conference.

John Slaughter, Director of External Affairs at the Home Builders Federation, told delegates at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) South East Conference that the loss of £100bn per year net mortgage funds was the "biggest single constraint for the private housing market" but added that the burden of regulation on house building was also a serious issue.

At the same session, Richard McCarthy, Director General, Neighbourhoods Group at the Department for Communities and Local Government, admitted that every part of the housing system was in change and "significantly less public expenditure is available" but emphasised that the government was trying to create the conditions for growth and had a desire to get "better for less".

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Mr McCarthy emphasised that removing top down targets for house building and the creation of a more flexible housing system would support housing growth. He said: "Localism and growth can sit comfortably together". He emphasised the importance of the New Homes Bonus and the chance for communities and housing organisations to "create local opportunities that work".

He concluded: "If you say no to growth, you say no to additional resources…it’s your choice not ours."

Claire Martin, Immediate Past Chair of CIH South East said: "Housing professionals are committed to working with the government and the Homes and Communities Agency to deliver more desperately needed homes with less government funding. We also need stimulus to support recovery in the private housing market."

(CD/GK)