Shelter responds to Hills review on the future of social housing

Tuesday, 20, Feb 2007 02:23

Shelter chief executive Adam Sampson said: "The Hills Review recognises the vital role social housing plays in providing many lower income families with a secure and stable home, and also the need to maximise the existing stock.

"John Hills also points the way forward on tenants having every opportunity to better their circumstances and correctly draws attention to aspects of social housing we desperately need to improve.

"However, we are surprised the Review makes no reference to the desperate need to increase the number of social homes being built.

"With waiting lists topping 1.6 million and 93,000 homeless households currently trapped in temporary accommodation, there is an urgent need to build more social rented homes. The Government must commit to funding 20,000 additional social rented homes a year to start tackling the housing crisis and help those children and families in the greatest need."

Mr Sampson added: "Tenants will be extremely worried by plans to hold regular reviews. This or any other future Government must make clear this will not affect long term tenure or people's right to a permanent, affordable home."

Notes to editors:

1. Shelter believes everyone should have a home. We help more than 170,000 people a year fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. We also tackle the root causes of Britain's housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions. Bad housing robs children of their health, education and a fair chance in life.