It is no surprise that recession breeds poverty and inevitably puts pressure on social housing. And although we have actually done better at stemming the number of repossessions than in previous recessions, social housing is still in chronically short supply with in excess of 1.8 million names already on council house waiting lists.
That’s why I am surprised and disappointed by the abolition of regional housing targets. A laissez faire approach to planning might grab the headlines and pander to nimby tendencies. But as an issue of social policy it is an ill-thought out move. There has been a growing consensus that local government has a key role to play in delivering new social housing and that councils need to work together to meet priorities that span boundaries. Housing, transport, environmental issues and local economies are all inter-linked and therefore require a co-ordinated approach.
New-build schemes not only provide homes but also much needed construction activity for depleted local economies. With the cancellation of 91 council new-build housing schemes as a result of the funding cuts to the Homes and Communities Agency and restrictions on housing benefit, the housing agenda is in danger of slipping off the political radar once again. But it remains a key electoral issue for those families living in overcrowded housing or those who can’t get a place of their own because of the shortage of housing.
The coalition government should take heed. The electorate will not forgive another decade of decline in council homes available to rent. Social housing shortages are set to get much worse unless there is a concerted effort to address the issue.
Paul O’Brien is chief executive of the Association for Public Service Excellence (Apse)
