Housing is the biggest worry
(29/06/11) The lack of affordable housing is a bigger worry for families than either education or crime, according to new polling from YouGov, released today.
The poll, commissioned by a new Housing Voice campaign launched at Westminster today, shows that:
- 71% of the public do not think the coalition government is giving much attention to affordable housing;
- people in private rented accommodation say affordable housing is their biggest concern after the economy – 40% compared to 28% for health and 18% for education;
- building more homes for rent would be a very popular policy with 70% support – including most voters for all three main UK parties;
- given a list of possible policies, less than half (40%) supported the idea of increasing supply by moving people from their council or housing association homes once their incomes rise above a certain limit;
- 18% of families always or often struggle to pay their rent or mortgage.
The UNISON-supported Housing Voice campaign is an alliance of organisations and people fighting for affordable housing.
Speaking at its launch in the Houses of Parliament this afternoon, UNISON assistant general secretary Roger McKenzie said: "UNISON is proud to join groups such as Shelter, the Child Poverty Action Group and the National Housing Federation in supporting this campaign for affordable homes.
"For years, vital public service workers have found themselves priced out of the towns and cities where they work – and the situation is only getting worse.
"Addressing this housing need is vital for people who need a roof over their heads but would be good for the economy, giving the sort of boost that would stimulate the growth needed to really tackle the deficit."
UNISON in housing
