Jockeying over regional funds intensified this week when the South-eastern Regional Assembly insisted it must have more cash for new homes.
The assembly’s planning committee condemned low levels of public funding as the biggest obstacle to increasing the supply of affordable homes.

It called on the government to “significantly increase” Housing Corporation funding to housing associations. The assembly wants restrictions on the use of right to buy receipts lifted so that councils can re-invest in housing.

But Bolton MP Brian Iddon rejected the idea of spending to replace council homes. He said: “We should stop selling council houses in the South first. The money needed to replace them is incredible. I am concerned that corporation money is going to the South to do that, whereas money comes to the North in trickles.”