Bournemouth saw one of the biggest increases in renting between 2001 and 2011 of anywhere in the country, and we predict that both MPs will represent more renters than home owners by the next election.
While it is better for the council to provide housing for vulnerable people instead of profiteering private landlords, they are just adding to demand for existing stock, which puts up prices. Ultimately, it would be better for the council to build their own emergency accommodation which would add to the quantity of housing in Bournemouth and help keep rents in check.
Bournemouth plans to spend £10m buying up 60 houses over the next three years. Obviously there’s an immediate need which warrants buying existing homes, but they should start building now. By Year 3, they could have even more new homes that they’d otherwise have bought on the open market.
We want to see rents come down and funding for a new generation of social housing – join our campaign here.
