In a bid to rectify Southampton’s “broken housing market,” the city’s new council leader, Cllr Lorna Fielker, is committed to collaborating with diverse partners to boost the supply of homes. With over 7,000 residents currently on the waiting list, this commitment aims to ease the strain on the housing market and provide safe, stable, and affordable homes for all.
The city council had previously outlined plans to work with stakeholders to increase the housing stock by 8,000 homes by 2040. Cllr Fielker, underscoring the significance of accessible housing, stated, “Every individual should have the opportunity to reside in a secure, stable home that aligns with their budget,” emphatically reiterating and reinforcing the council’s dedication to this cause.
Cllr Fielker assumed leadership following the resignation of Cllr Satvir Kaur on December 20, who opted to focus on contesting the Southampton Test parliamentary seat. The new leader is unwavering in her commitment to addressing the housing crisis, asserting, “Our housing market is currently inaccessible to many, negatively impacting health, well-being, and hindering the thriving development of children.”
Current statistics reveal that average waiting times for council properties in Southampton range from a challenging one year and four months to an alarming over 11 years. This prolonged waiting period exacerbates the strain on residents, impacting their overall well-being and hindering the thriving development of children in such unstable living conditions.
Surprisingly, data released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities in March 2023 indicated that there were 522 unoccupied council dwellings in the city. This raises questions about the efficiency of the existing allocation system and underscores the urgency for a comprehensive approach to address housing issues.
Former leader Cllr Satvir Kaur emphasized the severity of the national housing crisis, intensified by the government’s perceived lack of interest and action. Kaur stated, “Housing has been constructed, but too often it consists of unfit, expensive, and cramped living spaces.” Acknowledging the connection between quality, affordable housing, and improved life outcomes, she expressed satisfaction that Southampton Council is committed to delivering more social housing for those on the waiting list.
A spokesperson for the city council echoed the urgency of the situation, recognizing the need for more affordable homes and introducing the Affordable Housing Framework. This framework is designed to expedite the delivery of new homes, aligning with the commitment to provide at least 8,000 affordable homes by 2040.
The commitment from the Southampton Council is a positive development for residents who have long faced challenges in accessing affordable housing. The collaborative approach, involving a broad spectrum of partners, indicates an acknowledgment of the complexity of the issue and the necessity for a multifaceted solution.
As Southampton embarks on this ambitious journey to address its housing crisis, residents eagerly anticipate tangible results that will not only alleviate the strain on the housing market but also contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of the community. The Affordable Housing Framework stands as a beacon of hope, providing a strategic roadmap for the city to navigate through the challenges and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all its residents.
