Housing Bill Controversy Continues to Rumble on in Parliament

Time will tell as to whether or not agreement can be reached between the government and the House of Lords over the proposed housing bill. There is currently deadlock on the bill with the House of Lords having rejected the suggestions twice already. It is expected that the Commons will meet on 9th May to review the latest amendments made by the House of Lords.

If approved the bill is set to bring about major changes to public housing and includes an extension on the right to buy for housing association tenants as well as forcing the sale of vacant high value local authority properties. So far the bill has met opposition from many quarters including protests outside the houses parliament as many believe it signals the end of affordable housing and will exclude thousands from both home ownership and social housing if council stocks are depleted. Many say that councils simply cannot afford to replace the stock that is likely to be taken up if the plans go ahead.

The fact that there is a need for affordable housing is not disputed however the housing bill does not set out sustainable measures that give a long term view for future generations. Many of the younger generation already are struggling to get a foot on the property ladder and for those on lower wages even the prospect of a starter home doesn’t necessarily mean them getting any closer to home ownership.

Experts argue that what the housing market needs is more investment in social housing and not the selling off of stock. In high value areas such as London it is expected that the very poorest would be driven out completely. There would certainly seem to be a big discord between government and the public when it comes prioritising what is best for housing longevity.

The government continues to defend the bill and fight against amendments set by the House of Lords and this will continue today with no real progression made until a decision is reached once and for all.