Mark Whitehead 19 July 2019

Campaigners call for new definition of 'affordable' housing

Many families living in the countryside could have their rents cut in half if the definition of 'affordable' housing were changed, according to campaigners.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England says the phrase 'affordable housing' has become meaningless and rent levels should be set according to income rather than market rates.

It says the current definition of an affordable rent as 80% of the standard market means they are still out of reach for many families and those on low incomes.

The campaign is urging the government to change this definition and set affordable rents at 35% of net income for the lowest income groups unless 80% of market rate is cheaper.

Lois Lane, campaigns and policy officer at CPRE, said: ‘The term “affordable housing” has become completely meaningless.

'Inflated land prices, a rise in private house prices and a failure to build enough social rented homes – in addition to the tens of thousands sold through Right to Buy – have driven rental prices to a point where 80% of market rate is out of reach for so many people.'

‘The Government’s failure to meet the housing needs of low income families has escalated the housing crisis and is fuelling inequalities.

'Basing rent prices on income, rather than the inflated costs of the market, is a fair and logical solution that will help people across the country find homes they can actually afford to live in.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner