“Time to invest (now more than ever)”

Inquiry into the need for investment in existing and new council housing

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Council Housing has launched an inquiry into the need for investment in existing and new council homes. It was launched with a meeting in the House of Commons. To promote the discussion a number of academics in the housing field have produced a document (see below), Council Housing: Time to invest (now more than ever) – what we know, intended as a starting point for the discussion. It’s well worth a read.

The APPG says “We are inviting all who live and work in council housing (or wish they did), and representatives including councillors, trade unions, tenants and housing campaigns to give us your views.” They are asking for views on

1. How important is council housing, in addressing local/general housing need?

2. Does your area still have directly-owned council housing? If not, do you think new/acquired council homes are needed? Please say why.

3. If your area has council housing, what condition is it in, what investment is needed, and what is stopping that investment?

4. What is your experience of stock transfer, PFI, ALMO, SPVs or other alternative mechanisms to build and manage council (or former council) housing?

5. What do you think we need to do to secure a new generation of good-quality council homes?

They add “We will also assess what the impact of the 2012 ‘Self-financing’ changes to council housing finance has been, and what (if any) changes are required to the settlement. Any evidence on how the new regime has affected your area and thoughts on the future are welcome.”

It’s the intention to organise some regional maeetings which will provide an opportunity for supporters of council housing to record their real life experience and the chronic social results of the shortage of council housing and the disastrous impact of Right to Buy.

So the inquiry provides an opportunity for stepping up the campaign for council housing and explaining the governmental programme which is necessary to improve existing council housing and scale up new build/acquisitions sufficiently to begin to resolve the housing crisis.

Evidence/submissions

You can send in evidence/submissions by email to matt.western.mp@parliament.uk or by post to Council Housing Inquiry c/o DCH PO Box 33519 London E2 9WW