England's Broken Housing Market: More Empty Homes Than Children in Temporary Accommodation.
Business
The number of empty homes in England rose by 12%, with over 600,000 properties lying vacant at the end of December, compared to 90,000 children living in temporary accommodation last year, amidst a rising cost of housing and increasing availability
As the hometown newspaper for the city of Liverpool, we have been following the housing crisis in England with great concern. The recent data released by the Office for National Statistics shows that there has been a significant increase in the number of empty homes in England compared to the number of children living in temporary accommodation.
According to the report, the number of empty homes in England rose by 12% last year, with over 600,000 properties lying vacant at the end of December. Meanwhile, the number of children living in temporary accommodation increased by 35%, with over 90,000 children residing in shelters across the country.
This sharp increase in the number of empty homes is attributed to a combination of factors, including the rising cost of housing, the government's policy of promoting social rent, and the increasing availability of private lettings. However, the impact of these factors on the housing market has been felt strongly by local residents, particularly those living in areas with high levels of deprivation and limited affordable housing options.
In response to the growing problem of empty homes, local councils and housing associations have implemented various measures aimed at addressing the issue. For instance, some local authorities have introduced measures such as homebuyers' plans, which allow individuals to buy their first property with as little as a 10% deposit and offer additional support to help them afford the mortgage payments.
However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the housing crisis, particularly in light of the increasing cost of housing and the lack of affordable housing options for low-income families. As a society, we need to work together to find solutions that prioritize affordable housing and address the underlying issues that contribute to the growth of the empty homes problem.
In conclusion, while the data released by the Office for National Statistics provides an alarming picture of the growing problem of empty homes in England, it also highlights the importance of addressing the underlying causes of this issue. As a reporter for ANN Network News, I urge the government and local authorities to take action to address this crisis and ensure that all families have access to safe and affordable housing.
