Social housing decimated

The failure of the ‘right to buy’ scheme to replace on a one-for-one basis what were council-owned homes, sold to their sitting tenants, has decimated the social housing rented sector.

Barnsley is like councils everywhere, affected by the failure of governments to address this shortfall in the council rented stock, leading to demand exceeding supply.

Private rents nationally are becoming increasingly unaffordable for the younger members of our society – Barnsley is now facing similar circumstances.

Duty bound as it is to make best use of its remaining stock, councils nationally are examining their homes to find tenants that are under occupiers and either encouraging them financially or by support to move into small homes, thus freeing up homes for larger families.

The cost-of-living crisis that is about to hit us all could make the demand situation even worse.

Fuel poverty and levels of debt is a concern, councils are doing their best utilising schemes of up to £5,000 to encourage and assist those willing to exchange council owned homes.

Is it now time for Barnsley to consider similar help?