West Northamptonshire Council Commits to Boost Affordable Housing Supply by 2030
West Northamptonshire Council has unveiled ambitious plans to significantly increase the supply of affordable and social housing across the region over the remainder of the decade. The local authority aims to deliver 650 affordable homes annually by 2029/30, with a stretch target of 750 homes each year, including 150 new council homes per year.
The council’s housing delivery update, reviewed by the Local Democracy Reporter, emphasizes its commitment to “build the homes that people need and can afford.” Between 2021/22 and 2023/24, an average of 598 affordable homes were completed annually through a combination of developers, registered providers, and council-led projects.
Despite these efforts, the report highlights that current supply still falls short of local demand, with a significant proportion of new homes delivered as shared ownership (40%) or affordable rent (42%), leaving many households on the waiting list without suitable options.
As of October 2025, there were 2,125 households with active applications on the housing register and an additional 3,105 awaiting assessment, underscoring the pressing need for more affordable housing solutions.
Affordable housing in West Northamptonshire is delivered through three key tenures:
- Social rent, calculated via government formula, providing the most accessible rental options.
- Affordable rent, typically set at around 80% of local market levels.
- Shared ownership, enabling tenants to purchase a stake in a property while paying rent on the remaining share.
By focusing on a mix of tenure options and increasing council-led builds, West Northamptonshire Council aims to tackle the housing shortage, provide affordable homes for local families, and support economic and community growthacross the region.
