Housing shortage hits south-west

A survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) at the Glastonbury festival has revealed acute shortages in south-west England.

According to the results, over a quarter of those questioned argue the housing they needed locally was not present, while 28 per cent of young people still live with their parents.

Figures from the survey underline the concern of housing experts and campaigners such as Michael Eavis, founder of the Glastonbury Festival – who recently spoke at a CIH conference - that young people are increasingly forced to leave the areas where they grew up in order to find a home they can afford.

Nearly two thirds (73 per cent) of 1,100 festival goers questioned were under 35-years-of-age, while nearly half (43 per cent) were either renting from a private landlord (15 per cent) or living with their parents/guardian (27.8 per cent)

Just over a fifth overall (21.8 per cent) had raised a mortgage to buy a property.

Ambitions for the future also appeared relatively modest, according to the CIH research.

The main aim over the next five years was for respondents to own their own house (54.8 per cent) - either outright (19.5 per cent) or with a mortgage (35.3 per cent).

Almost a quarter (23.3 per cent) wanted to rent from either the council or a housing association.

"The survey reveals some interesting findings, particularly highlighting some changing aspirations around tenure," said Mendip Housing's managing director, Alan Brunt.

"Of the people living in private rented accommodation few seem to want to continue to do this over the longer-term.

"While buying their own home seems to be the preferred option, a quarter of respondents did see themselves as renting from councils or housing associations which demonstrates the growing need for affordable rented accommodation, particularly during these straitened times when raising a mortgage is increasingly more difficult."

Finally, the survey also asked what was keeping would-be homeowners from the property ladder.

In response, 27.8 per cent said the housing they needed is not available, 15 per cent said they lacked a permanent or regular income, 13.5 per cent couldn't raise a deposit and 12.8 per cent said they couldn't afford a mortgage.

At the same time, the government has today announced a 12-week consultation, examining the south-west's vision to tackle climate change, address housing shortages and strengthen the region's economy.

Existing proposals include a 29 per cent increase in housing provision to 29,623 per annum (592,460) to address housing shortages, affordability issues and take account of past under delivery in the region.

An additional 1,150 homes a year will ensure West of England, Exeter and Plymouth housing match anticipated job growth.

An increase in affordable housing targets to 10,000 homes per annum (35 per cent of total housing provision) is also sought.

"The south-west needs a long term development vision that tackles the threat of climate change, addresses housing shortages and strengthens the region's economy," said communities minister, Baroness Andrews.

"Beyond the short term squeeze of the credit crunch the number of new households is still outgrowing the number of homes being built - not least because our society is ageing and more people are choosing to live alone."

Chris O'Toole