Priced Out: Affordable housing in England

Article

England is in the midst of a housing crisis. In 67 per cent of local authorities, insufficient houses were built to meet demand in 2015/16 (DCLG 2016; DCLG 2017).

Across England, of the 265,936 houses that are needed, just 189,650 new dwellings (71 per cent) were provided. While other factors, such as money supply, play their part, this is impacting on the affordability of housing. House prices have risen by 76 per cent since 1995, far outstripping inflation (ONS 2017).

In this context, a number of recommendations are put forward set around a stronger approach to affordable housing at a national level, including a clear measure of affordability, and the devolution of greater powers to mayors to deliver the housing their regions need.

Related items

  1. A mother and child from behind looking out of a window

    Hidden hardships: The immigration system and child poverty

    Child poverty remains a persistent and deeply rooted issue in the UK. 
  2. A diverse group of children sit in a colourful nursery setting, clapping along with the childminder

    Every child is equal: Bridging the childcare gap for families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)

    Migrant families subject to the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition are prevented from accessing most forms of support with childcare costs, including the expanded entitlement for working parents.

  3. Grangemouth after the refinery: lessons from history in how we make a just transition real

    Making sure support mechanisms are in place for workers at the Grangemouth refinery, and for anyone else in employment across Scotland, is crucial.