Last Thursday, 25th June, The Right Hon. Rishi Sunak MP received an important letter conveying an important message.
Put simply, homes should be at the heart of the Government’s plans for our recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
This letter, co-authored by the National Housing Federation, Chartered Institute of Housing, Crisis, National Federation of ALMOs and Association of Retained Council Housing and signed by more than fifty other organisations and individuals prominent in housing, presents with one voice a compelling case for improving our nation’s homes.
As it says,
“This pandemic has transformed our relationship with our homes. For some, home has been a sanctuary from a dangerous and unpredictable virus. Home has become their office, a classroom, a gym or a place of worship. But for countless others, the place they have spent lockdown has felt like a prison – housing that is far too small, too expensive, of poor quality or isolated from the support that would help them to live well.
The coronavirus is further highlighting the need for secure, high quality, better designed affordable homes and, for many people, support to live in them”.
Living in good homes promotes health and well-being.
Building good homes promotes economic activity and decarbonisation.
Creating good homes facilitates stronger communities.
Hopefully our Chancellor will share this letter with his neighbour and, as “Project Speed” is planned and implemented, homes will indeed be at the heart of our Government’s strategy for a better future.
