- Conference
- 2025 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 16 October 2024
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
The lack of affordable housing is a pressing issue that disproportionately affects women and single mothers. In many communities, rising rents and stagnant wages have created a housing crisis that places immense financial and emotional strain on these vulnerable populations. Women, particularly single mothers, often face unique challenges that exacerbate the impacts of housing instability, including increased risk of poverty, homelessness and domestic violence.
In 2022, there were 2.9 million lone parent families, which 2.5 million or 84% were headed by a lone mother. The number of people living alone was 8.3 million, representing 13% of the household population of which 53% were women living alone.
A report by England shelter in 2024 confirmed that there are currently 109,000 households now homeless in temporary accommodation of which 59% are lone mothers, despite only making up 20% of families in the general population. That’s a whopping 36,940 women caring for their children alone in the most appalling conditions.
A report by the department for levelling up, housing & communities showed that between April 2021 and March 2022 there were 1.21 million households on local authority waiting lists for affordable rented housing, this does not include other types of affordable housing so the over all number of households requiring affordable homes is likely to be much higher. While the report does not break down to show how many of these households are women or lone mothers, just looking at the statistics above we may conclude that women and lone mothers would make up the majority of those on the waiting lists.
Conference also notes that UNISON has published a research report on the housing crisis titled, “Through the Roof”. The report highlights the gender pay disparity between men and women. It shows that the rapid rise in housing costs, especially rents, combined with low pay, means that women are most at risk of poverty. As a result, many are struggling to manage financially, and are cutting back on food and essentials”.
In May 2024 the average price of a property in the UK is £285,201, While the average full-time wage in the public sector is £24,914.
The UNISON Housing Calculator as part of UNISON’s Housing Campaign, show’s it would for a public sector worker in North Tyneside 12.7 years to raise a deposit, while in Camden a public sector worker on the same wage would take 52.7 years.
Whilst the Campaign is fundamental is calling for change in the housing sector, there is more to do in securing affordable housing for women and lone mothers.
Conference, we call upon National Women’s Committee
1) to work with Labour Link, LAOS, Regions and Branches and any other relevant structure.
2) To Campaign for affordable housing for women.
3) To Lobby MPs and Housing Minister to working with housing associations and councils, to make more affordable housing available to women, especially fleeing domestic violence or with young children.
4) Promote UNISON’s research report on the housing crisis “Through the Roof” to all regions and branches.