The extent of the issues with the UK’s social housing bled into everyday conversation after the tragic death of a 2 year old boy sparked outrage. It was far from an isolated case of neglect.
While publicity can create the attention needed to spark change, Housing Associations and Councils alike are still struggling with the same issues of mis-management, old housing stock, a supply vs demand imbalance, and a lack of money. Problems this size and widespread do not appear overnight. The systemic issues raised by the recent Greenfell Tower Enquiry report go a long way to explaining a number of key issues.
A critical, key issue is the difference in standards demanded on social housing compared to private rentals. Private renters have a (poor) minimum standard set, but social housing is completely without protection and therefore at the mercy of their landlords. I would love to hear a politician explain why different standards were ever set up for those in more vulnerable situations. It goes against every humanitarian grain in my body. I would think the same is correct for most people.
The Energy Secretary has decided it is time for this to change. He has committed to legislative changes that will force things for social tenants to start to change. A core aim of the changes is to alleviate approx a million UK residents from fuel poverty.
We sincerely hope this aspiration means concrete improvements in quality and longevity of lives. Soon.
