Vast increase in new homes vital to region
HOUSING EXPERTS have said the next government desperately needs to focus on building more social housing and affordable homes in the region, to tackle the scourge of homelessness and help first-time buyers get on the property ladder.
More homes, particularly in rural areas, would help keep communities together, stop talented young people leaving the region and boost the economy, they said.
Housing in Yorkshire is deeply underfunded, as official figures show only 581 social homes were built in the region in the last financial year, despite waiting lists of hundreds of thousands of people. The Chartered Institute of Housing said Yorkshire needs to build more than three times that every year to meet demand.
Chief executive Terrie Alafat said: “What Yorkshire needs from the next government is more homes, of the type people want, where they want them, and at a price they can afford. We believe that means a lot more homes at the lowest social rents, and that’s why we’re calling on any government to commit to a ten-year plan to build around 140,000 houses a year, including 90,000 at social rents.”
She said the organisation’s research showed people in Yorkshire on benefits were struggling to afford their rent.
“If you’re looking for a one-bedroom in Barnsley, a two or threebed in Sheffield or shared accommodation in Leeds, Rotherham or Scarborough, 85 per cent or more of the available rentals aren’t covered by the housing part of your benefit. That leaves thousands of families all over Yorkshire facing a choice every week of paying their rent or spending money on food or heating.”
The National Housing Federation said its research showed Yorkshire needed to treble the number of social homes built per year. James Prestwich, head of policy, said: “This must be part of a vital national programme of affordable house building. The next government must investment £12.8bn each year for the next ten years to deliver the homes needed across the country.”
Carol Matthews, chair of Homes for the North, which represents housing associations in Yorkshire and across the north of England, agreed, adding the region needed to see “transformational” plans from the next government to help close the north-south divide.