Legal News
UK Housing Conditions Leave Thousands Vulnerable (9 September 2011)
Date: 09/09/2011
Housing conditions in the UK are now amongst worst in Western Europe, according to a major study. The study claims that “thousands” are being forced to sleep rough while landlords cash in. The housing crisis is said to contribute to the pressure faced by the NHS and other public services. Housing experts warn that the lack of affordable homes, reductions in local authority housing budgets, and the Coalition Government's welfare system reforms are negatively affecting the UK's most vulnerable.
The report warns of rising numbers of homeless individuals and predicts a return of unscrupulous landlords. Almost 4,000 people are currently sleeping rough on the capital city's streets – up eight per cent on the previous year. There is scant sign that the target of abolishing rough sleeping will be met by next year, the report says. The Pro-Housing Alliance has urged the Coalition Government to scrap its strategy to cut housing benefit over concerns that this will cause severe hardship. It is recommended that 500,000 environmentally friendly, affordable houses and flats are built every year over the next seven years and any empty homes should be brought back into use.
David Cameron claims that house building in the UK is too low and that more houses need to be built. Dr Stephen Battersby, the president of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, blames the expensive housing market on the lack of a coherent housing policy.
The Housing team at Duncan Lewis represent clients on a range of issues. Their housing solicitors are trained to ensure all clients receive the highest level of assistance.