A report published by the National Housing Federation has highlighted ongoing struggles in the private rented sector, which are forcing families into poverty.

Research by the organisation found that many families are being forced to live in insecure private rented homes which they cannot afford, pushing them and their children into poverty.

It is estimated 1.3 million children living in privately rented homes in England live in poverty, an increase of 69% since 2008.

The report also found that for around a quarter of a million children this would not be the case if they had access to social housing.

In Medway there are approximately 20,000 families living in private rented accommodation. There are also currently 600 children living in temporary accommodation across the towns.

Councillor Naushabah Khan, Medway Labour’s housing spokesperson said ‘The findings in the Housing Federation’s report are extremely worrying, and reflect the experiences of many families here in Medway. The market has changed considerably in recent years, with rents reaching extortionate levels and becoming unaffordable for many.

‘The housing sector needs far-reaching reform and desperately need the government and Medway Council to get a grip of this situation, starting with the delivery of more social and council homes.’

Councillor Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Labour Group said ‘We are in the middle of a housing crisis both here in Medway and across the country.  The stark reality is that with huge cuts in local government funding the support for people in crisis has been dramatically cut – the system is truly at breaking point. We need a radical approach on housing to make sure the system works for the many.’

There are currently over 5,000 people on Medway’s housing waiting list. Since this time last year the council has built only 150 units of affordable homes, missing its own targets.


Housing Federation report: https://www.housing.org.uk/resource-library/browse/poverty-and-housing-in-the-private-rented-sector/

"The housing sector needs far-reaching reform and desperately need the government and Medway Council to get a grip of this situation, starting with the delivery of build more social and council homes" Councillor Naushabah Khan, Medway Labour’s housing spokesperson
Councillor Naushabah Khan, Medway Labour’s housing spokesperson
"The stark reality is that with huge cuts in local government funding the support for people in crisis has been dramatically cut – the system is truly at breaking point." Councillor Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Labour Group
Councillor Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Labour Group
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