Mayor Kim McGuinness highlights the urgent need for more social housing in the North East as waiting lists soar, impacting families and communities.
Newcastle: The North East’s mayor, Kim McGuinness, is raising alarms about social housing. She says the region’s lack of affordable homes is a big problem for families.
Waiting lists for council housing are growing faster here than anywhere else in the UK. Experts warn that if things don’t change, the list could hit two million in ten years.
Last year, the waiting list reached its highest level since 2014. Demand for affordable homes is way higher than the number being built.
The North East is facing the biggest challenges. Local housing registers have jumped by 28% since 2021. The North West isn’t far behind with a 20% increase.
According to property consultants JLL, the demand for social housing is rising, but construction isn’t keeping up. Last year alone, the waiting list grew by 43,000.
Mayor McGuinness is taking steps to address this. She announced a £10.7 million plan to build over 100 new homes in East Durham, including council housing.
She emphasizes the need for urgent action and creative solutions, like the Leamside Line Investment Corridor, to build new homes and communities.
McGuinness is collaborating with the Treasury and other leaders to secure more investment and powers for local authorities to tackle this housing crisis.
The Government has called the situation “unacceptable” and promises to take action. They aim to deliver 1.5 million new homes, focusing on social and affordable housing.
Experts like Marcus Dixon from JLL stress the importance of meeting housing targets and delivering more affordable homes.
Tracy Harrison from the Northern Housing Consortium points out that many low-income families are being pushed into the private rental market, where rents are high.
She notes that housing poverty is now a significant issue in the North, affecting many families and children.
The Government’s commitment to building new homes must include a focus on social housing, especially given the rising poverty rates.
Since 2012, thousands of council houses have been sold under the Right To Buy scheme, but only a fraction of new social homes have been built.
Charity Shelter warns that the lack of affordable homes is leading to increased homelessness and instability for families.
They stress the need for investment in new social homes to end homelessness and support communities.
A government spokesperson reiterated their commitment to building more homes and reforming the Right To Buy scheme to increase affordable housing stock.
