Liberal Democrats Publish Plan to Increase Social Housing
A recent report by the the homeless charity 'Shelter' recommends a 20-year programme to deliver 3.1 million more social homes, allowing the benefits of social housing to be offered much more widely - providing both security for those in need and a step up for young families trying to get on and save for their future.
Shelter is calling for a stronger voice for tenants, and a new regulator working across social and private renting to protect residents and enforce standards.
Alan Bullion, Liberal Democrat Candidate for Rainham and Gillingham said "We can see the impact of the housing crisis everywhere, from the increase in both young families and older people trapped in unaffordable privately rented homes, to the increasing homelessness that scars our society.
Unless we act now, we face a future in which a generation of young families will be trapped renting privately for their whole lives, where more and more people will grow old in private rentals, where billions more in welfare costs will be paid to private landlords - and hundreds of thousands more people will be forced into homelessness. Recent Shelter figures show that there are 277,000 people recorded as being homeless,
The answer to this emergency is simple: building more social housing. Yet the number of social homes being built is at its lowest for 70 years, Government after government has failed to face up to our country's need for genuinely affordable homes - it's why we're facing such a crisis. We must make sure that this time, instead of patching up the holes with poor-quality schemes, the new government tackles the issue head on.
An increase in social housing provision really is the only solution to make sure everyone has the chance to build a home in which their families can thrive. With a secure, long-term tenancy and the stability of locally affordable rent, people can put down roots and plan for the future - it's the foundation that means people can stop putting their lives on hold."
Liberal Democrats have set out a bold plan to end rough sleeping within five years, spanning social housing, welfare, local authority funding and legal changes.
A Liberal Democrat government will tackle the housing crisis by ensuring that 300,000 new homes are built per year, including 100,000 social homes for rent. Building secure homes which are fit for the future is at the heart of the Liberal Democrats' plan for a brighter future.
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ALAN BULLION
Alan Bullion works in London for a publishing company and commutes from High Brooms station, where he successfully campaigned for a second ticket machine, as well as more capacity and fairer fares for rail and bus travellers. Alan is a former school Governor and pupil of Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, and is chair of its Alumni society.
Alan has long been active on a number of issues, such as defending recreation and sports facilities against development. Delivering additional school places and keeping social care to support older people.
Alan has focused on issues such as safer streets and 20mph zones, especially around schools and building up care at local hospitals. Alan also is a great believer in life-long learning, having done degrees with the Open University and Southampton as a mature student.