Last night’s debate on housing attracted a diverse audience which
condemned the lack of attention to this vital policy area which is now
in crisis. A lack of investment over many years combined with the
current economic crisis have led to a situation where the cost of
shelter is taking up more than 50% of many people’s income. The lack of a
decent housing policy was contrasted by one speaker with education and
health which, whatever your view of the outcome, have been subject to
numerous policy shifts over recent years.
A post war consensus and bipartisan commitment to public housing led
to many homes being built up to 1979 when the mania for owner occupation
took off. The Thatcher government wanted to eliminate public housing
and give everyone a “stake in the housing market” primarily for
political advantage – house owning “Mondeo Man” was not going to vote
for a socialist government. We are now reaping the rewards of this short
term political expedient.
Putney Debate, Housing Crisis
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