Decent and affordable homes for all: five proposals for a fairer housing system

At the heart of our calls for reform is a recognition that piecemeal approaches to policymaking in housing, taken by successive governments over recent decades, are failing. To create real change, this country needs a long-term vision for a well-functioning housing system that spans political horizons. We’re calling on the government to take bold action to address the imbalances in our housing system and address its systemic issues for good.

We need a long-term strategy that reflects how different parts of society, politics, and the economy impact housing and homes, and that looks beyond addressing
housing shortages and supply. A statutory Housing Strategy Committee, akin to the Climate Change Committee, should be formed to hold governments now and in the future to account.

We urge the government to take steps to increase the supply of genuinely affordable homes by supporting the conversion of private rented sector properties to social or genuinely affordable rental homes, reforming the compensation system for landowners to address windfall gains and promote more sustainable and equitable housing development, and replacing ‘affordable rent’ with income linked ‘living rent’.

The private rented sector today is too often characterised by a lack of choice, high rents, insecurity, and poor living conditions, and many tenants vulnerable to harm are living in private rented accommodation unsuited to their needs.

The government must deliver fundamental reforms to the sector that provide real change for renters; ensure that private rented sector regulations are enforced; improve compliance by introducing a national landlord register, review selective licensing regulations, and explore the potential of independent property assessments; and devolve more powers to local and regional authorities to help them better meet the needs of local private renters.

Community-led homes can provide local people with decent, affordable housing and form the basis of thriving and connected communities. But, as a solution to the UK’s housing crisis, it’s been chronically overlooked. As a means of housing diversification, community-led housing must be a key part of any efforts to deliver the large number of homes we need. National and local governments should also maximise opportunities for infill development on small and micro sites in low-density neighbourhoods (e.g., garages or back gardens).

When homes are built with comfort and security as a priority, they enrich our lives and support our health and wellbeing. But too many homes built today have the opposite effect, putting our physical and mental health at risk. Standards by which new homes are constructed are fragmented, complex, and inadequate. As a solution, the government should mandate that all homes, including those built through permitted development, are built in line with the Healthy Homes principles.