here we go...
What are the factors resulting in demand for social housing.
The are many reasons (including returning from abroad, or being a daughter of a woman who has gone to turkey to marry a waiter and left you with £35!!) and contrary to myth Asylum seekers come well down the list: - If you wish to lease your home to the local council here is a presentation I did to a housing company regarding homelessness last year, figures are from NSO (National statistics Office and supported by Office of the Deputy Prime Minister).
Ok at:-
No 1- Parents/relatives unable/unwilling to accommodate.This is the main reason for homelessness. 2001 contributed to 33%. Teenage pregnancies. Uk has largest rate in Europe. Women/children fleeing abusive situations. People with Disabilities or complex needs, people with mental health issues, people with substance abuse problems, people with HIV, Youths who are unable to live at home.
No2 - Breakdown of relationships.In 2002 157,000 divorces granted being 1.9% on prior and steadily growing, average 22%. Highest rate since 1997. More than 40% of marriages will end in divorce. Average marriage lasts 9 years.
3) End or loss of private rented/tied accommodation.Mainly the end of an assured tenancy. Biggest increase since 1991 to 2001 up to 22%, private rentals being sold at profit. Workers i.e. Nurses/ Police leaving/losing jobs (Note no mention of asylum seekers yet!)
4) Mortgage arrearsEconomic climate reducing this reason up to 2001, but notable increase in 2004 and early 2005. Job Losses. House purchasing beyond means. Loss of joint income. Additions to family.
5) Private Rent ArrearsThis is a stagnant area of 3%, mainly job losses, again loss of joint income and additions to family.
6) Others ReasonsAsylum (oh there you are near the bottom of the pile!!), increase in countries within EU, leaving an institution, prison res. Home. Sleeping rough or in hostels. Returning from abroad, Emergencies such as floods, fire, homelessness act extension, increase movement of population.
Fact 1:-There are more ASBO's, injunctions (excluding marriage/children), noise summons executed in court on or between two private residents than social housing/private residents.
Fact 2:- You are more likely to have a government worker living in social housing than an asylum seeker.
Fact 3:- Most social housing people are placed based on the area suited to them, (you understand that for better or worst which everway people wish to read into it). But where there is a shortage of housing, inner cities, large towns on outskirts or cities, you will get the odd exception of people being places in areas not suited to them.
Selling your house privately does not guarantee your purchasers will get on with your old neighbours better or worst than social housing. You will sell at best price whoever the buyers are and stuff your neighbours at the end of the day, they would to you.
Why sell when you can continue to get regular steady income guaranteed for years?
Ok, that's it for this week.
Dipps