The provision of housing in the UK is rapidly evolving as austerity takes hold. For social housing in particular, spending cuts threaten a fundamental shake-up of how homes are delivered, funded and allocated, not least as the localism bill gathers pace in parliament.
However, according to research we carried out recently into the impact and risks of cuts to the public sector, the public seems apathetic towards social housing. More than half (51%) are unconcerned about the quality of housing and more than a third (38%) remain uninterested in how housing is provided in their local area. Yet with some five million people on housing waiting lists, and a reported 6,000 empty council homes in London alone, the housing crisis is a real and urgent issue.
For councils and housing associations, this apparent lack of interest could prove a worrying hindrance. The fact that the localism bill promises to give the public a greater say in where homes are built is a positive move, yet it may also give the nimby lobby a stronger voice, stalling construction of much-needed new homes.
There is a job to be done when it comes to raising the profile of social housing among the general public. Now is the time when reputation really matters, and housing providers – as well as the social housing sector at large – need to do everything they can to make the case for social housing and for investment in improved standards and services.
The truth is that with a tough financial climate and a static housing market, decisions about cutting costs present serious reputational risks. Cuts to maintenance funds could spark a decline in the quality of housing, while workforce rationalisation measures could mean residents receive below-par services. Cuts to communications could have an impact on the flow of information to local communities, meaning that new or existing social housing developments are ill-received. All of these could have a knock-on effect on the reputation of the sector which, far from improving its profile among the public, could force them offside.
Getting the public on board with social housing is important not simply to increase the number of planning approvals. It may also be vital in ensuring the long-term delivery of housing services. One of the key aims of localism is for communities to get involved in service delivery, but our research revealed that just 3% of the public would like to take part. Some 35% would like to know how social housing is provided but do not want to get involved any further. This apparent reluctance to lend a hand suggests it will be some time before housing providers can rely on the public for support.
The future is uncertain for social housing providers, and there is no silver bullet to tackling the housing shortage. But getting communities on board with the long-term importance of affordable housing provision could be one challenge worth fighting at all costs.
Simon Dixon is head of housing at Zurich Municipal
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