Delivering his final keynote speech to the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) conference in Harrogate, Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas has called for the public sector to provide leadership and help the Government reach its target of three million affordable homes by 2020.

In his speech, Mr Douglas said the target was still achievable but a new approach is needed within the public sector for it to happen.

He said: "The current housing market downturn has proved that the house builder model is driven by rising land and property value. As we can see now, when demand is less than supply, house builders will attempt to offload stock and contract supply, which is perfectly understandable.

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"But this doesn't help produce the homes that are still needed. In an upturn the private sector comes into its own, in a downturn relying on the private sector alone is not enough. It is at times like this that the public sector must develop new approaches. If it does not, it will fail those who still need an affordable home to rent or buy.

"Now is the time for us in the public sector, local authorities and central government to take a leadership role. Between us we have a significant amount of developable land and resources; housing associations and developers have considerable development expertise. Even in a declining market, housing associations retain significant assets. We must tap these skills and resources creatively and collaboratively. Only with true partnerships and new approaches will we succeed."

(CD/JM)