Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) officials have backed the concept of a long-term funding deal for the sector but offered no future guarantees.

Speaking at a Public Accounts Committee hearing last week, MHCLG permanent secretary Melanie Dawes said it was difficult for the department to offer certainty ahead of the crucial 2019 Spending Review, when the Treasury will give details of the next four-year budgetary cycle.