Laura Sharman 26 May 2021

Calls to end 'unstable and discriminatory' housing system

Calls to end unstable and discriminatory housing system image

A third of adults are living in homes that are unaffordable, unfit or unstable, a homelessness charity has warned today.

Research by Shelter has revealed that 17.5 million people in Britain are impacted by the 'housing emergency' or have been subject to discrimination due to their race, gender, disability or sexuality.

The report shows Black people are 70% more likely to be impacted by the housing emergency than White people, while nearly half of Asian adults do not have a safe or secure home.

People with a significant disability, single mothers, low income households, and gay, lesbian or bisexual people are also less likely to have a safe and secure home, according to the report.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: 'Decades of neglect have left Britain’s housing system on its knees. A safe home is everything, yet millions don’t have one. Lives are being ruined by benefit cuts, blatant discrimination and the total failure to build social homes. 23% are living in homes with significant damp, mould and condensation.'

Shelter is calling on the Government to build at least 90,000 social homes a year to end the 'unstable and discriminatory' housing system.

Cllr David Renard, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, said: 'Councils want to work with Government to tackle the housing crisis and reduce homelessness.

'With further powers and resources to build 100,000 high-quality, climate-friendly social homes for rent each year, including further reform to Right to Buy, councils can help to meet a third of the Government’s overall annual housing target and generate a range of social and economic benefits.'

London Councils is also calling on the Government to end Right to Buy restrictions and confirm social rent levels for the next ten years.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ executive member for housing & planning, said: 'Boroughs are determined to do everything we can to ensure every Londoner has a safe and secure home – but councils need urgent government action to make this happen. Only the Government can bring forward the massive investment in social housing and changes to the welfare system required to resolve the worsening crisis.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner