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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/sep/13/britains-housing-crisis-slow-progress-and-a-radical-quick-fix
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| Britain’s housing crisis: slow progress and a radical quick fix | Britain’s housing crisis: slow progress and a radical quick fix |
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| The University of York’s analysis on the state of the UK private rented sector was shocking, finding that one in three homes in England at the lowest rents are classed as non-decent, with children living in unacceptable conditions (Rise in number of families who live in squalid rented homes, 10 September). Calls for simplified regulation and new houses to be built are unanimous, but the consistent failure to hit new-build targets, plus the encompassing distraction of Brexit, give little opportunity for hope or for immediate change at state level. | The University of York’s analysis on the state of the UK private rented sector was shocking, finding that one in three homes in England at the lowest rents are classed as non-decent, with children living in unacceptable conditions (Rise in number of families who live in squalid rented homes, 10 September). Calls for simplified regulation and new houses to be built are unanimous, but the consistent failure to hit new-build targets, plus the encompassing distraction of Brexit, give little opportunity for hope or for immediate change at state level. |
| We need to focus on innovation and scaling up the solutions that make the sector work better, now. From social lettings agencies and homeshare schemes to ventures that overcome barriers like credit histories, the Young Foundation supports innovators working locally to achieve great outcomes. | We need to focus on innovation and scaling up the solutions that make the sector work better, now. From social lettings agencies and homeshare schemes to ventures that overcome barriers like credit histories, the Young Foundation supports innovators working locally to achieve great outcomes. |
| The initiatives we’re backing focus on specific groups of renters, like those in need of wheelchair-accessible properties or households at risk of eviction. They actively demonstrate what can be done, today, to tackle some of the social and economic inequalities embedded in the private rented sector – they are an inspiration and a model to follow. Change is indeed possible, and already under way.Radhika BynonDirector of programmes, The Young Foundation | The initiatives we’re backing focus on specific groups of renters, like those in need of wheelchair-accessible properties or households at risk of eviction. They actively demonstrate what can be done, today, to tackle some of the social and economic inequalities embedded in the private rented sector – they are an inspiration and a model to follow. Change is indeed possible, and already under way.Radhika BynonDirector of programmes, The Young Foundation |
| • Britain’s population continues to expand and age, and in Britain the number of people with accessible-housing needs exceeds 11.9 million. Many of these people are waiting for an appropriate standard of accommodation which will allow them to live independently. With less than a third of planning authorities displaying a commitment to any type of accessible homes in their local plans, this problem will only increase. | • Britain’s population continues to expand and age, and in Britain the number of people with accessible-housing needs exceeds 11.9 million. Many of these people are waiting for an appropriate standard of accommodation which will allow them to live independently. With less than a third of planning authorities displaying a commitment to any type of accessible homes in their local plans, this problem will only increase. |
| As housing and service providers, we have identified that the lack of accessibility not only impacts personal independence. It can have a knock-on effect in terms of social inclusion, employment and maintaining good physical and mental health. | As housing and service providers, we have identified that the lack of accessibility not only impacts personal independence. It can have a knock-on effect in terms of social inclusion, employment and maintaining good physical and mental health. |
| With the number of new communities and housing developments being planned in Britain, we encourage local authorities, developers, planners and builders to consider accessibility as a fundamental design principle. | With the number of new communities and housing developments being planned in Britain, we encourage local authorities, developers, planners and builders to consider accessibility as a fundamental design principle. |
| Accessible housing is a national issue and concerns everyone. We are all ageing. Inevitably, a proportion of us will need some form of adaptation, assistive technology or accessible features to support us through changing life circumstances. Everyone has a stake in the provision of accessible homes. We hope everyone will add their voice to the call for supply to meet demand.Sheron Carter Chief executive, Habinteg Housing, David Orr Chief executive, National Housing Federation, Terrie Alafat Chief executive, Chartered Institute of Housing, Caroline Abrahams Charity director, Age UK, Kate Henderson Chief executive, Town and Country Planning Association, Anna Dixon Chief executive, Centre for Ageing Better, Sue Adams Chief executive, Care and Repair England, David Sinclair Director, International Longevity Centre, Jeremy Porteus Chief executive, Housing LIN, Malcolm Booth Chief executive, National Federation Of Occupational Pensioners, Mike Duggan General secretary, Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance, Steve Edwards Chief executive, National Association of Retired Police Officers, Kamran Mallick Chief executive, Disability Rights UK | Accessible housing is a national issue and concerns everyone. We are all ageing. Inevitably, a proportion of us will need some form of adaptation, assistive technology or accessible features to support us through changing life circumstances. Everyone has a stake in the provision of accessible homes. We hope everyone will add their voice to the call for supply to meet demand.Sheron Carter Chief executive, Habinteg Housing, David Orr Chief executive, National Housing Federation, Terrie Alafat Chief executive, Chartered Institute of Housing, Caroline Abrahams Charity director, Age UK, Kate Henderson Chief executive, Town and Country Planning Association, Anna Dixon Chief executive, Centre for Ageing Better, Sue Adams Chief executive, Care and Repair England, David Sinclair Director, International Longevity Centre, Jeremy Porteus Chief executive, Housing LIN, Malcolm Booth Chief executive, National Federation Of Occupational Pensioners, Mike Duggan General secretary, Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance, Steve Edwards Chief executive, National Association of Retired Police Officers, Kamran Mallick Chief executive, Disability Rights UK |
| • Your editorial (11 September) is correct in saying that “there is no quick fix to a housing crisis that has many aspects”. It is not only a failure of the market but a failure of successive governments and the structure of government that has led to so many vulnerable people having their health adversely affected in the private rented sector. | • Your editorial (11 September) is correct in saying that “there is no quick fix to a housing crisis that has many aspects”. It is not only a failure of the market but a failure of successive governments and the structure of government that has led to so many vulnerable people having their health adversely affected in the private rented sector. |
| The evidence in the report from Julie Rugg and David Rhodes of the Centre for Housing Policy at York University demonstrates the harmful effects of many different policies and that this leads to “exported costs” that we all bear – including costs to the NHS from the physical and mental health effects. | The evidence in the report from Julie Rugg and David Rhodes of the Centre for Housing Policy at York University demonstrates the harmful effects of many different policies and that this leads to “exported costs” that we all bear – including costs to the NHS from the physical and mental health effects. |
| While we need a more concerted strategy at the government level to tackle problems, the most vulnerable people cannot wait for a government to deal properly with this. At the local level we need all agencies to join together to show the government what can be done despite the cuts to address the health inequity that is demonstrated starkly in this report.Dr Stephen BattersbyIndependent environmental health and housing consultant | While we need a more concerted strategy at the government level to tackle problems, the most vulnerable people cannot wait for a government to deal properly with this. At the local level we need all agencies to join together to show the government what can be done despite the cuts to address the health inequity that is demonstrated starkly in this report.Dr Stephen BattersbyIndependent environmental health and housing consultant |
| • There is a quick fix to the housing crisis: rationing. There are a million or more empty or “second” homes and 250,000 owners of properties with eight or more rooms per person. This is not fair. During the war, many items of food were rationed, with the result that most of the nation was better nourished by its end. | • There is a quick fix to the housing crisis: rationing. There are a million or more empty or “second” homes and 250,000 owners of properties with eight or more rooms per person. This is not fair. During the war, many items of food were rationed, with the result that most of the nation was better nourished by its end. |
| While well-housed elites are happy with immigration, those lacking proper accommodation suffer. No wonder there is Brexit discontent and that “far-right” groups are emerging. | While well-housed elites are happy with immigration, those lacking proper accommodation suffer. No wonder there is Brexit discontent and that “far-right” groups are emerging. |
| Rationing could simultaneously deal with the crises in housing, climate and inequality – especially if “tradable” quotas were adopted. Tradable energy quotas is a Green party policy and it is urgently needed.Joe BurlingtonBridport, Dorset | Rationing could simultaneously deal with the crises in housing, climate and inequality – especially if “tradable” quotas were adopted. Tradable energy quotas is a Green party policy and it is urgently needed.Joe BurlingtonBridport, Dorset |
| • Re Aditya Chakrabortty’s article (The radical solution to homelessness: no-strings homes, 12 September), those who would posit “queue-jumping” and “deserving” cases as arguments against the provision of what ought to be such basic human rights as the right to adequate housing might be well advised to listen to Shakespeare. In reply to Polonius’s offer to treat the Players “as they deserve”, Hamlet admonishes him: “Use every man after his desert and who should ’scape a whipping? Use them after your own honour and dignity.” Then, as with universal basic income, there would be no need for either carping or means-testing.Austen LynchGarstang, Lancashire | • Re Aditya Chakrabortty’s article (The radical solution to homelessness: no-strings homes, 12 September), those who would posit “queue-jumping” and “deserving” cases as arguments against the provision of what ought to be such basic human rights as the right to adequate housing might be well advised to listen to Shakespeare. In reply to Polonius’s offer to treat the Players “as they deserve”, Hamlet admonishes him: “Use every man after his desert and who should ’scape a whipping? Use them after your own honour and dignity.” Then, as with universal basic income, there would be no need for either carping or means-testing.Austen LynchGarstang, Lancashire |
| • Members of the London Renters Union claim that landlords can evict tenants “at a moment’s notice” and that some tenants pay exorbitant rents to live in dangerous housing (Letters, 4 September). In fact, landlords must give at least two months’ notice for tenants to leave, and tenants can report landlords to councils and other bodies if properties are dangerous. Exaggerating the difficulties of renting does no favours to anyone and can lead to tenants being unsure of their rights, which I assume is the opposite of what this organisation wants.Rebecca ReynoldsLondon | • Members of the London Renters Union claim that landlords can evict tenants “at a moment’s notice” and that some tenants pay exorbitant rents to live in dangerous housing (Letters, 4 September). In fact, landlords must give at least two months’ notice for tenants to leave, and tenants can report landlords to councils and other bodies if properties are dangerous. Exaggerating the difficulties of renting does no favours to anyone and can lead to tenants being unsure of their rights, which I assume is the opposite of what this organisation wants.Rebecca ReynoldsLondon |
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