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The South East is a success story. The economy is strong and growing. The Regional Economic Strategy estimates that economic growth will be an annual average of 2.99% Gross Value Added, despite recent fears for an economic slowdown. An estimated 800,000 new jobs are expected to be created over the next twenty years to support this level of growth.
The South East has great advantages, with Europe's largest airport on its doorstep, the headquarters of many international companies, and a high tech business sector that thrives on the proximity to Heathrow and London. However, success comes with a price - as the economy has grown, the South East has come under increasing pressure. As the economy has boomed, house prices have risen, making it harder for those on low and medium incomes to break into the market. Traffic has grown causing congestion that leads to delays and pollution. The vibrant high tech economy has snapped up existing skilled and well qualified workers.
 If the region is to continue to grow, the bottlenecks that choke back its growth need to be dealt with. Businesses need to attract and retain skilled workers who must be able to find somewhere to live within travelling distance.
A comprehensive strategy for delivery of new housing is now the most pressing problem, with the shortage of affordable housing threatening to disturb the delicate balance of the region’s economy. With housing authorities struggling to meet their statutory responsibility to house those with least choice in the market, there is great need for funding for schemes to help people who do not qualify for social housing but who are equally desperate for housing they can afford.
Efforts must be made to increase the share of new investment for housing and infrastructure coming into the South East from the Housing Corporation and Central Government through the housing investment process. A well argued regional housing strategy is the best way to do that. A strategy that is backed by all the important stakeholders in the region will be able to succeed more than strategies coming from individual local authority housing departments. It will also help to join up other strategies and funding streams to create better value for money and to make real impact.
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