Proposals for increased housebuilding by the government have been met with calls for a stronger focus on affordable housing.

Flagship Group, the largest housing provider in the East of England, has endorsed the plans but highlighted the need for more social and affordable homes.

Helen Walsham, Flagship's deputy chief executive, said: "The measures announced to 'get Britain building' are a step in the right direction, but we need a strong focus on social and affordable housing to truly address the housing crisis."

She also pointed out that there are 89,500 households and 9,600 children currently in temporary accommodation in the East alone.

Flagship Group deputy chief executive Helen Walsham Flagship Group deputy chief executive Helen Walsham (Image: Flagship Group)

The National Housing Federation also expressed support, highlighting the potential economic benefits of building more socially rented homes.

Ms Walsham further called on the government to help smaller building companies and to promote construction apprenticeships.

In the 2023-24 financial year, Flagship provided 743 new homes with a sizeable number being for affordable rent and shared ownership.

They are also set to merge with Bromford to deliver an annually planned 2,000 homes over the next three decades.