Virus measures hit new home numbers in South Tyneside

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government figures show that just 10 new homes were finished in the borough between April and June this year – a fall from 60 completed in the same three-month period last year.

The figure includes homes built by housing associations and the local authority.

Over the 12 months to June, 140 new homes were finished in South Tyneside – a decrease of 64% on the previous 12 months.

In South Tyneside, construction began 30 new homes between April and June, down from 40 last year.

Charity Shelter says the country now faces a worsening "housing emergency" and has called on the Government to ramp up a financial package to provide more social housing.

Nationally, 16,520 new houses were finished between April and June – down from 46,330 on the same period last year.

Shelter chief executive Polly Neate said: “There are over a million households on social housing waiting lists, and sadly many more are likely to join them as the recession bites and people lose their homes.

“The Government has to act. We urgently need a rescue package of social house building to avert a lengthy crash that could wipe out tens of thousands of new homes and jobs.”

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick last month announced a £12bn plan to support the building of 180,000 affordable homes for ownership and rent.

An MHCLG spokesperson said the ministry was "determined" to build more houses quicker and was overhauling the planning system.