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150,000 social rent homes ‘lost’ in five years, says CIH
More than 150,000 homes for social rent were lost in England between 2012 and 2017, analysis by the Charted Institute of Housing (CIH) has found.
A total of 103,642 council homes and 46,972 housing association social rent homes were lost in the period analysed, according to government figures.
Homes being converted to affordable rent, being sold through the Right to Buy or being demolished were mainly behind the figures.
The CIH predicts another 80,000 social rent homes will be lost by 2020.
Social rent is set by a formula and is typically between 30-40% of market rents, while affordable rent can be up to 80% of market rates.
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“For many people on lower incomes, the only truly affordable option is social rent,” said Terrie Alafat, chief executive of the CIH.
“The prime minister is absolutely right to make housing a priority, and some of the things the government is doing will help. But government investment is still heavily skewed towards the private market.”
Just 21% of government housing investment up to 2020/21 will be spent on affordable homes, according to the CIH.
Ms Alafat repeated calls for the government to allow councils to keep 100% of Right to Buy receipts and be given more time to use the cash.
