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SOCIAL HOUSING



A recent Channel Four ‘Dispaches’ programme claimed that 33,000 people classified as homeless are in work. Half of the people living in hostels, temporary accommodation and on the street are employed. This figure has grown by 73% over the past five years and the main reason is the lack of affordable social housing.


Average ‘social’ rents in England are £88 per week as compared to private landlords who charge £290  [that is nearly three and half times more more].  Meanwhile, the London Borough of Redbridge has 8,000 people on its waiting list and a further 2,400 in temporary accommodation. It is, therefore, worrying to note that an average of 40% of the homes bought under the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme are now owned by private landlords and in some areas, such as Milton Keynes, this figure has risen to 70%.