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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/aug/17/grenfell-inquiry-should-shine-a-spotlight-on-uks-housing-issues
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| Grenfell inquiry should shine a spotlight on UK’s housing issues | Grenfell inquiry should shine a spotlight on UK’s housing issues |
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| With reference to your report on the Grenfell inquiry terms of reference, it is crucial, as argued by Justice for Grenfell and your editorial, that the provision, financing and allocation of social housing is put under the spotlight (Grenfell fire inquiry will not consider bigger picture, 16 August). Such an investigation would include an analysis of the impact of austerity and particularly welfare reforms. | With reference to your report on the Grenfell inquiry terms of reference, it is crucial, as argued by Justice for Grenfell and your editorial, that the provision, financing and allocation of social housing is put under the spotlight (Grenfell fire inquiry will not consider bigger picture, 16 August). Such an investigation would include an analysis of the impact of austerity and particularly welfare reforms. |
| The benefit cap is set at a level that places more and more individuals and families in a precarious financial situation, and for many abject poverty. Benefit delays resulting from the rollout of universal credit are having the same effect. The knock-on impact on social housing is significant. More and more people are falling into rent arrears and homelessness. A national housing organisation has stated that a couple with three children will not be able to afford the average housing association rent on a three-bed property in any region. The weekly shortfall under a £20,000 cap ranges from £37.40 in Yorks and Humberside to £67.35 in the south-east. They estimate that the cap will impact on 205,000 households, which will lower 200,000 children below the poverty line, with the biggest group affected being working families with three children. | The benefit cap is set at a level that places more and more individuals and families in a precarious financial situation, and for many abject poverty. Benefit delays resulting from the rollout of universal credit are having the same effect. The knock-on impact on social housing is significant. More and more people are falling into rent arrears and homelessness. A national housing organisation has stated that a couple with three children will not be able to afford the average housing association rent on a three-bed property in any region. The weekly shortfall under a £20,000 cap ranges from £37.40 in Yorks and Humberside to £67.35 in the south-east. They estimate that the cap will impact on 205,000 households, which will lower 200,000 children below the poverty line, with the biggest group affected being working families with three children. |
| More and more families, as well as individuals, are falling into rent arrears and evictions. Furthermore, the capacity for local authorities to deliver housing services and mitigate the impact of welfare cuts is curtailed as more and more are experiencing unsustainable budget cuts.Dr David EtheringtonMiddlesex University | More and more families, as well as individuals, are falling into rent arrears and evictions. Furthermore, the capacity for local authorities to deliver housing services and mitigate the impact of welfare cuts is curtailed as more and more are experiencing unsustainable budget cuts.Dr David EtheringtonMiddlesex University |
| • The publication of the terms of reference for the Grenfell Tower inquiry by Sir Martin Moore-Bick was bound to draw criticism, for this is an almost impossible circle to square. For some critics the inquiry is too limited, but the need to ensure a timely and focused report is paramount. | • The publication of the terms of reference for the Grenfell Tower inquiry by Sir Martin Moore-Bick was bound to draw criticism, for this is an almost impossible circle to square. For some critics the inquiry is too limited, but the need to ensure a timely and focused report is paramount. |
| It is imperative that the Grenfell inquiry should – as the terms of reference outline – look at the causes and spread of the fire, as well as the response of the London Fire Brigade, and of central and local government immediately after the event. However, Sir Martin has rejected including wider examination of social housing policy and related matters, while sharing the concerns of local people. He has not dismissed the importance of such questions, and indeed has urged their urgent examination through a parallel process or body. The prime minister, however, has determined this is a matter simply for the attention of the housing minister. | It is imperative that the Grenfell inquiry should – as the terms of reference outline – look at the causes and spread of the fire, as well as the response of the London Fire Brigade, and of central and local government immediately after the event. However, Sir Martin has rejected including wider examination of social housing policy and related matters, while sharing the concerns of local people. He has not dismissed the importance of such questions, and indeed has urged their urgent examination through a parallel process or body. The prime minister, however, has determined this is a matter simply for the attention of the housing minister. |
| The inquiry needs to be given space to do its work; a preliminary report is planned by Easter 2018, which is ambitious but appropriate. Sir Martin’s letter to the PM has identified the main focus of the inquiry’s work “without limiting its ability to pursue any avenue of investigation which it considers appropriate”. That is a vital – and bold – caveat, and an important signal to government that this is an independent inquiry.Melanie HenwoodHartwell, Northamptonshire | The inquiry needs to be given space to do its work; a preliminary report is planned by Easter 2018, which is ambitious but appropriate. Sir Martin’s letter to the PM has identified the main focus of the inquiry’s work “without limiting its ability to pursue any avenue of investigation which it considers appropriate”. That is a vital – and bold – caveat, and an important signal to government that this is an independent inquiry.Melanie HenwoodHartwell, Northamptonshire |
| • “The [Grenfell Tower] recovery operation has been blighted by failures,” says Diane Abbott – as if that was a surprise. | • “The [Grenfell Tower] recovery operation has been blighted by failures,” says Diane Abbott – as if that was a surprise. |
| In October 1966, 144 people (mainly children) died in a colliery waste avalanche in Aberfan, south Wales. Over £1.25m was given from around the world to help. Local people were largely ignored. Little relief got through. | In October 1966, 144 people (mainly children) died in a colliery waste avalanche in Aberfan, south Wales. Over £1.25m was given from around the world to help. Local people were largely ignored. Little relief got through. |
| Nearly a year later, the Free Wales Army said that if £5,000 was not paid within a week to each bereaved family, the FWA would blow up Merthyr Tydfil town hall, the offices of the relief fund and the office of the fund secretary/treasurer. If still no money, county hall would be next and government offices in Cardiff would follow. Within the week each family had £5,000. The establishment has always reacted only to pressure.David HickeyCorris, Gwynedd | Nearly a year later, the Free Wales Army said that if £5,000 was not paid within a week to each bereaved family, the FWA would blow up Merthyr Tydfil town hall, the offices of the relief fund and the office of the fund secretary/treasurer. If still no money, county hall would be next and government offices in Cardiff would follow. Within the week each family had £5,000. The establishment has always reacted only to pressure.David HickeyCorris, Gwynedd |
| • Newham’s selective licensing scheme (Report, 14 August) has shown how many irresponsible, if not criminal, landlords there are in that London borough. I would not consider them responsible landlords if they are avoiding paying tax on their income, though it appears the government thinks otherwise. If the government thinks licensing is burdensome, it is because the legislation drafted by the Department for Communities and Local Government (or at least its predecessor) made it unnecessarily bureaucratic. In my dealing with them, they were never sure whether licensing was to deal with issues of management or physical conditions. | • Newham’s selective licensing scheme (Report, 14 August) has shown how many irresponsible, if not criminal, landlords there are in that London borough. I would not consider them responsible landlords if they are avoiding paying tax on their income, though it appears the government thinks otherwise. If the government thinks licensing is burdensome, it is because the legislation drafted by the Department for Communities and Local Government (or at least its predecessor) made it unnecessarily bureaucratic. In my dealing with them, they were never sure whether licensing was to deal with issues of management or physical conditions. |
| But the principle is right and it would make more sense and be fairer for all properties in the private rented sector to be licensed, but under a system that is simpler and cheaper to administer. Indeed, the responsible landlords who are in accreditation schemes could have their properties passported into licensing at minimal cost. Nationally this could ensure that HMRC receives proper tax payments. It is far too easy for unscrupulous landlords to rip off the benefit and tax system – licensing could help minimise that. | But the principle is right and it would make more sense and be fairer for all properties in the private rented sector to be licensed, but under a system that is simpler and cheaper to administer. Indeed, the responsible landlords who are in accreditation schemes could have their properties passported into licensing at minimal cost. Nationally this could ensure that HMRC receives proper tax payments. It is far too easy for unscrupulous landlords to rip off the benefit and tax system – licensing could help minimise that. |
| If the government is serious about tackling the bad or rogue landlords (my interpretation and theirs might differ), it should be encouraging the use of selective licensing around the country, but as ever we have a lack of coherent thinking on housing.Dr Stephen BattersbyIndependent environmental health and housing consultant | If the government is serious about tackling the bad or rogue landlords (my interpretation and theirs might differ), it should be encouraging the use of selective licensing around the country, but as ever we have a lack of coherent thinking on housing.Dr Stephen BattersbyIndependent environmental health and housing consultant |
| • Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com | • Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com |
| • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters | • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters |
| Grenfell Tower fire | Grenfell Tower fire |
| Social housing | Social housing |
| Communities | Communities |
| Housing | Housing |
| Benefits | Benefits |
| Renting property | Renting property |
| letters | letters |
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