Communities Secretary Greg Clark is to tell council leaders that many young people are facing “housing exile” as a result of the shortage of affordable housing in the region they grew up in.
BBC News reports that, in his first major speech since joining the Cabinet, Mr Clark will urge council leaders to “take power now” from central government, with transport, skills and housing budgets being devolved to local authorities on a collective and individual basis.
It is hoped the move will help unlock economic opportunities and create “a nation of muscular communities north and south, town and country”.
Mr Clark is also expected to address the scale of the challenge facing the UK in ensuring housing supply keeps pace with demand, as well as social dislocation caused by the lack of affordable properties to own or rent in many parts of the country.
“For centuries, to be exiled – to be sent away – was considered to be an extreme penalty, reserved for the most serious of offences against the community,” he is expected to tell council leaders.
“Yet in many parts of our country, it has become normal for young people to leave, though not out of choice.
“This might be to find work – but more and more, it is to find a home that they can afford.
“If we want to maintain the chain of community and a place for the next generation, then we must make sure we have the homes to welcome them to.
“The responsibility lies with us – national and local leaders alike.
“It is a defining test of our generation of leaders that we care for and resolve the fears and foreboding of the next generation when it comes to that most basic of questions, 'Where and what will I call home?'"
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise homeowners, private sector tenants and social housing tenants on a wide range of housing issues, including disrepair of rented property, debt management, mortgage repossession, Local Authority housing and unlawful eviction.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis is also a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors.
For expert legal advice on all housing matters, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.