A war of words has broken out between a housing charity and the city council over the amount of social housing built last year.

UK housing charity Shelter claims Norwich City Council only built a total of nine social homes in 2022-23.

In addition the charity said 147 social homes were sold off during the same period, while the city's housing waiting list increased 10pc.

However the council disputes these figures, saying the net loss of 138 quoted by Shelter is actually 60, as 145 properties were sold and 85 homes were built.

Housing charity Shelter claims on nine social homes were built last year by the city councilHousing charity Shelter claims nine social homes were built last year by the city council (Image: Newsquest)

Lesley Burdett, strategic lead at Shelter's Norwich hub, said: "The housing emergency is ruining lives across the country and Norwich is no exception.

"Years of failure to build enough social homes has left a husk of a housing system behind and at this point, we can't afford not to build. 

"Every day we see more families forced to turn to our services and we need to close the book on this nightmare chapter."

The charity wants politicians to commit to increasing the supply of new social housing.

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Labour-led Norwich City Council hit back at Shelter's claims, saying there was a total of 85 homes built, made up of 72 new homes - 46 of which were at Carrow Quay - and 13 gypsy and traveller pitches.

Lesley Burdett, strategic lead at Shelter's Norwich hub, said we need to close the book on this nightmare chapterLesley Burdett, strategic lead at Shelter's Norwich hub (Image: Shelter)

It added that at the time of writing, there are 3,764 applications on the council's waiting list, down from 4,325 at the same time last year.

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A council spokesman said: "Our housing strategy aims to ensure that everyone has access to a decent home they can afford in a safe, clean and well-managed neighbourhood.

"This strategy focuses on increasing the supply of affordable housing, improving the quality of existing homes and supporting sustainable communities.

"The council highlights its commitment to tackling homelessness, reducing housing inequality and enhancing the overall living conditions for its residents."

Norwich City Council said there were 3,764 applications on its waiting list, down from 4,325 at the same time last yearNorwich City Council said there were 3,764 applications on its waiting list, down from 4,325 at the same time last year (Image: Newsquest)

2023-24 figures

The city council also provided its relevant figures for 2023/24, claiming a net gain of 12 social homes.

This is based on 74 properties being sold through the Right to Buy scheme against 86 "units of affordable housing" being delivered.

That 86 included 36 for social rent and 39 for affordable rent, predominantly from two sites, 47 at Three Score in Bowthorpe and 36 in Northumberland Street. 

The city council disputed Shelter's claim and say it built 85 social homes last yearThe city council disputed Shelter's claim and say it built 85 social homes last year (Image: Newsquest)