I’m fighting for homes we can afford.
Hi, my name is Petey.
When I graduated from university in 2014, jobs were scarce and I was unemployed. I couldn’t afford a private rental, and I did not have the funds for a deposit. After a relationship broke down, I was put in a hostel. My experience of housing in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) is one of insecurity. I received no effective support which meant I became homeless and my situation got worse before I got any help. That’s why I joined Housing Action Collective and want affordable homes for people in BCP – so that others don’t have to go through what I went through.
In BCP, low-income workers are being crushed by private rents.
WORKING FULL TIME SHOULDN’T MEAN LIVING IN POVERTY
A single earner on low pay could spend around 60% of their income on a one-bedroom private rented home - this is unsustainable.
We know from our Housing Action Collective listening campaign that our neighbours are struggling. People working in the NHS, teachers and hospitality workers – the people who keep Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole running – are outpriced in our towns.
Many are forced to rely on government support simply to pay sky-high rents, with taxpayers effectively subsidising private landlords.
WHO REALLY BENEFITS?
Not working families. Not single people.
Not local communities.
The biggest winners are landlords charging rents that people cannot realistically afford.
Meanwhile, families face:
- Constant financial stress
- Insecure housing
- Poor mental health
- No chance to save for the future
- Struggling to survive in the present
WE NEED A DIFFERENT APPROACH
Instead of subsidising excessive private rents, the council should invest in good quality, affordable social housing.
Homes that allow workers and families to live with dignity, raise children securely, stay connected to their community and thrive instead of merely surviving.
SIGN THE PETITION
Demand that BCP Council builds genuinely affordable council homes for social rent. For local people and workers.
Let’s end a housing system that keeps workers trapped in poverty while enriching a few landlords.
INVEST IN HOMES FOR THE MANY — NOT PROFITS FOR THE FEW.
Sign today. Share widely. Join the campaign.