At our meeting in December to discuss the local government and housing crises it was agreed that we would produce an Open Letter to the Labour leadership on action necessary to prevent the collapse of local authorities and to begin to resolve the housing crisis. With a general election not far away and local government … Continue reading Resolving the local government and housing crises: An Open Letter to the Labour Leadership
Author: lcfch
The top 10 website reads of 2023
Here are the top 10 most read articles on our website in 2023. If you missed any of them click on the links. 1. The contradictions of Labour's housing policy. Martin Wicks examined the contradictions of Labour's housing policy as expressed at Labour's conference. 2. Labour Housing Group opposes campaign to end RTB. The Labour … Continue reading The top 10 website reads of 2023
Now is the time for Labour to commit to transformative housing policies
Fraser McGuire, a member of the Young Labour national committee, writes on what a Labour government ought to do to address the housing crisis. "By the time I turn 21, I will have spent nearly £20,000 on rent, which is almost the same amount I have made working in total since I was 16- and … Continue reading Now is the time for Labour to commit to transformative housing policies
APPG inquiry: “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. The APPG said “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 … Continue reading APPG inquiry: “The need for investment in existing and new council housing.”
Labour’s choice: “repudiate Hunt’s disastrous cuts or enact them”
The Autumn statement offers austerity to local government and nothing for council housing “...the Labour Party has largely retreated to a similar pro-market and low-tax agenda as the Conservatives but with an emphasis on equality of opportunity and choice. This is a mistake which is amplified by the historic chance offered by the Tories poor … Continue reading Labour’s choice: “repudiate Hunt’s disastrous cuts or enact them”
Temporary accommodation crisis – Hastings
Hastings council has warned that the spiralling cost of temporary accommodation has placed it at risk of issuing a section 114 notice, which is a declaration that it will not be able to balance its budget. Temporary housing costs increased from £730,000 in 2019 to £4.5m in 2023. That now accounts for a quarter of … Continue reading Temporary accommodation crisis – Hastings
Zoom meeting: the financial crisis of local government and its impact on housing
The financial crisis of local authorities is spiralling out of control. Councils are running out of money as a result of the loss of grant from central government, increasing demand for services, high inflation, and the increasing cost of paying for temporary accommodation because of rising homelessness. A recent emergency meeting organised by Eastbourne council, the District … Continue reading Zoom meeting: the financial crisis of local government and its impact on housing
The financial crisis of local government and the housing crisis
"Labour council groups, CLPs and affiliated unions need to raise the alarm and demand that Labour commits to increased funding, both for local government services and for council housing." Will a Labour government come to the rescue of local government? What is it proposing to do to stop the collapse of local authorities and to … Continue reading The financial crisis of local government and the housing crisis
The Temporary Accommodation crisis – Liverpool
Sarah Doyle, Cabinet Member for housing in Liverpool, recently reported on the emergency meeting on Temporary Accommodation in Eastbourne. Councils are warning that the rising cost of temporary accommodation is pushing some councils to the financial brink. For instance, Hastings council recently warned that the cost of temporary accommodation was a major factor in the … Continue reading The Temporary Accommodation crisis – Liverpool
70% home ownership target – wrong in principle and undeliverable
Just before Lisa Nandy was moved sideways from her job as Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling-up, the Highbury Group on Housing Delivery (“an independent group of specialists from the public, private and independent sectors from housing, planning and related professions”) wrote to her on Labour's housing policy. We reproduce some extracts below. You can … Continue reading 70% home ownership target – wrong in principle and undeliverable
Labour Campaign for Council Housing 