“Social housing” should only be provided as a short-term solution for those in real need. The idea that someone can occupy a council house for virtually their whole adult life is ridiculous

Local authorities should be enablers, not providers and therefore should not own any housing. Many housing associations behaved as if they were private developers during the recent boom, only to find themselves severely affected by the downturn.

If the government wants to assist with the current crisis then it should ensure that the existing housing stock is of an adequate standard. Improvement grants are an inexpensive way of encouraging property owners to upgrade and maintain older stock and reduce the need for wholesale replacement at vast expense.

Keith Towers

Topics