Myth-busting guide to affordable housing

A guide that dispels some of the misconceptions about affordable housing has been published today by the South East England Regional Housing Board (RHB).

'Challenging Perceptions of Affordable Housing' addresses common objections to affordable housing such as the belief that it is not needed in some areas, will be of poor quality or will contribute to anti-social behaviour. Drawing on recent research and case studies, it illustrates how successful affordable housing developments can be delivered to the benefit of families and communities. The case studies include:

A Gulf War veteran whose life was transformed after he moved into a housing association flat in Aldershot, Hampshire.

A development near Ashford in Kent that will never be sold on the open market but kept for local people on low incomes who would otherwise be forced to move away from the area.

A retired couple from West Sussex who, after setting up a garage where local children could repair their bikes, persuaded their housing association to convert a vacant property into a now thriving community centre.

Cllr Elizabeth Cartwright, Chairman of the RHB, said: "Affordable housing is vital to our communities because it enables teachers and nurses, for example, to live closer to schools and hospitals. It also helps others on lower incomes, who often provide essential services to the community, to remain in the area in which they grew up and maintain their family support links.

"Despite the economic downturn, which presents its own challenges to providing more affordable homes, the need for investment in this area is greater than ever. I hope this guide will go some way towards helping us deliver more affordable housing in the South East."

Jonathan Shaw MP, Regional Minister for the South East, said: "I welcome this very useful publication and the initiative of the South East Regional Housing Board in tackling some widely-held misconceptions about affordable housing.
 
"There is a significant shortage of affordable housing in the region. This impacts on the long-term sustainability of communities as well as on the individual families and households living in poor or overcrowded housing.

"I would also like to acknowledge the efforts that many affordable housing providers are making to deliver benefits for the wider communities in which their tenants live."

Copies of the publication are available from the South East England Partnership Board by calling 01483 555200 or on our housing page.

Contacts

Simon Worsfold, Communications Manager at the Partnership Board - 01483 555221

Steve Baker, PR Executive at the Partnership Board- 01483 555234

Notes to Editors

Publication authors

'Challenging Perceptions of Affordable Housing' was produced by the RHB with the assistance of the National Housing Federation (www.housing.org.uk) and Shelter (www.shelter.org.uk).

South East England Regional Housing Board

The South East England Regional Housing Board (RHB) includes members of the South East England Partnership Board and representatives from organisations with an interest in housing such as the South East England Development Agency and Homes and Communities Agency.

South East England Partnership Board

The South East England Partnership Board comprises members of the board of South East England Development Agency and the South East England Leaders' Board (the executive body of South East England Councils), supported by a small team of staff in Guildford, Surrey. The Partnership Board replaced the South East England Regional Assembly on 1 April 2009 as the South East's regional planning body.

Affordable housing

Affordable housing is the term used to describe homes that are those sold or rented below the market rate to people on lower incomes.

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