Decent and affordable homes for all: Five proposals for a fairer housing system

The document titled "Decent and Affordable Homes for All: Five Proposals for a Fairer Housing System" was published by the Nationwide Foundation, an independent charity established by Nationwide Building Society in 1997. The foundation aims to improve the lives of those in need in the UK through grant-making and advocacy. The author, Kate Markey, emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change in the housing sector, which is currently facing a severe crisis characterized by unsafe, insecure, and unaffordable housing.

The UK housing system is in deep crisis, leaving many people living in inadequate conditions. A staggering one in 182 individuals is currently homeless, and over 130,000 children are living in temporary accommodation. Additionally, one in five privately rented homes fails to meet basic safety and decency standards. This crisis not only affects individuals' living situations but also has broader implications on health and well-being, as housing instability can hinder aspirations related to work, education, and family life.

The first recommendation suggests a long-term vision for a well-functioning housing system, termed "Homes for All." This vision aims to create secure and stable homes for families, requiring cross-party agreement to ensure sustainable changes across multiple governmental cycles. A statutory Housing Strategy Committee would be established to oversee progress towards this vision.

The second proposal focuses on increasing the supply of genuinely affordable homes. With 29% of private renters struggling to pay their rent, the lack of affordable housing significantly affects mental and physical well-being. The document suggests supporting the conversion of private rented properties to social housing and creating a National Housing Conversion Fund to facilitate this process. Additionally, a reform of the land compensation system is recommended to lower inflated land costs, making affordable housing more accessible.

The third recommendation emphasizes the need to reform the private rented sector to better protect tenants. Currently, 4.6 million households reside in private rentals, with many facing insecurity and poor living conditions. The proposal includes abolishing no-fault evictions and improving enforcement of housing standards. This would require local authorities to receive ring-fenced funding to support enforcement efforts.

The fourth proposal advocates for the growth of community-led housing as a means to diversify the housing market. Community-led initiatives can provide affordable homes tailored to local needs, helping to build strong communities. The government is urged to recognize these groups as legitimate providers of affordable housing and to support their development through funding and policy changes.

Lastly, the document stresses the importance of integrating health considerations into housing policy. Poor-quality housing is linked to significant health risks, with individuals in substandard homes twice as likely to experience health issues. The proposal calls for all new housing to adhere to Healthy Homes principles, ensuring access to essential services and green spaces.

The Nationwide Foundation calls for immediate action to address these pressing issues and ensure that everyone has access to a decent, affordable home, highlighting the moral responsibility to create a fair housing system for all.