England Loses Over 260,000 Social Rent Homes in a Decade
England has lost over 260,000 social rent homes in a decade, leading to increased homelessness and soaring private rents. Shelter's CEO Polly Neate highlighted that 1.3 million households are waiting for social housing, while 145,800 children are in temporary accommodation. The Local Government Association calls for more support to build affordable homes.
According to analysis by the charity Shelter, England has lost more than 260,000 social rent homes between April 2013 and April 2023.
This decline is attributed to property demolitions, the right to buy scheme, and conversions to 'affordable rent' housing.
Shelter's CEO, Polly Neate, highlighted that 1.3 million households are on social housing waiting lists, while 145,800 children are in temporary accommodation.
Birmingham, Leicester, Barnet, and Leeds saw some of the largest losses.
The Local Government Association advocates for more powers and resources for councils to address the crisis.
Private rents in England are, on average, £828 a month higher than social rents, exacerbating financial difficulties for many families.