Nearly 13 thousand people are on the social housing waiting list in Liverpool. And, in our city, over a thousand households are registered as homeless in temporary accommodation, including over a thousand children.
No one should be forced to sleep on the street, or live in unsafe, unhealthy or overpriced private rented accommodation. Children shouldn't be taken to Alder Hey hospital suffering from breathing problems caused by damp and mould. And people should be able to remain in the communities they call home.
The building of a new wave of social homes is essential to improving the health and wellbeing of our city. Social housing is designed to be truly affordable and can provide a secure, long-term foundation for people's lives which strengthens our communities.
Before the election last year, the then shadow housing minister said: “A Labour government would build more social rented homes each year than are sold off or demolished within the “very early years [of coming to power]””
We are yet to see any new social homes in Liverpool.
Last year the Treasury approved a £55 million grant of public money to Peel Developments for their Liverpool Waters development project. The government said that, by giving this money to Peel, it would create 2350 new homes, 20% of these to be 'affordable homes'. 'Affordable rent' however can amount to up to 80% of market rent, whereas social rent is just tied to local incomes.
While Peel and its shareholders will benefit financially for years to come, what hope is there for those on the waiting list for a social home, especially those who are homeless.
With news that the city is set to receive further funding for housing, we need to let the council and developers know that we won't be fobbed off with more 'affordable homes', instead of real social homes.
Add your voice to ours and sign our petition Put pressure on Peel Developments and local decision makers to give Liverpool the social homes we need to solve the housing emergency, for everyone