Reform UK to declare housing emergency in Sandwell

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 18:29 · Archive

Reform UK will declare a housing emergency in Sandwell after the council's waiting list grew from 6,000 to 24,000 in four years.

Reform UK's cabinet member for housing at Sandwell Council, Cllr Ken Parsons, will propose declaring a 'housing emergency' at next week's full council meeting. He argues that no resident should have to wait years for accommodation.

Sandwell Council's housing waiting list has grown dramatically. It stood at 6,000 in 2020 but reached more than 24,000 last year. The council projects the list could grow to 35,000 by 2030. If no action is taken, it would take 27 years to clear at current rates.

Waiting times vary by priority band. For the highest priority band one applicants, the average wait is just over 12 months. Band two applicants wait 621 days on average, while band three applicants face waits of 1,310 days—around four-and-a-half years.

Cllr Parsons' motion states that 'demand for social and affordable housing significantly exceeds supply, resulting in many residents with an identified housing need facing lengthy waits for suitable accommodation'. The council recognises challenges faced by households in temporary accommodation, overcrowded housing, unsuitable housing, or those requiring rehousing due to medical, welfare or safeguarding circumstances.

The motion calls for tackling housing need to become 'one of the most significant challenges facing the borough and must be a central priority for the council and its partners'.

How it is being reported

• Reform to declare housing emergency in SandwellReform UK has vowed to declare a ‘housing emergency’ in Sandwell to battle the ever-increasing wait for a council home.Express & Star · 13 Oct, 18:00
• Reform to declare housing emergency in SandwellReform UK has vowed to declare a ‘housing emergency’ in Sandwell to battle the ever-increasing wait for a council home.Birmingham World · 13 Oct, 18:00
• Reform UK to declare 'housing emergency' in SandwellSandwell Council’s housing waiting list increased from 6,000 in 2020 to more than 24,000 people last yearBirminghamLive · 13 Oct, 15:05

In this story: Reform UK · Sandwell Council · Sandwell · Ken Parsons

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