Manchester Families face an even longer wait for a council house

2.50.30pm GMT Tue 6th Dec 2005

Shocking figures uncovered by Manchester Liberal Democrats reveal that over 18,000 families in Manchester are waiting for a council house, which is an increase of over 50% in the last five years. 

For every new house for rent built, six are sold to tenants exercising their right to buy, meaning the stock of social housing is falling

year-on-year. Figures obtained from Manchester Housing show that the number of families applying for rehousing has risen by over 50% in the past 5 years, with over 18,000 currently on the waiting list. But there are only an average of 250 new homes being built for rent in any one year.

Commenting on these figures, Councillor Marc Ramsbottom, who is Manchester Liberal Democrat Finance Spokesperson, said that these figures showed Manchester had a serious housing crisis for many families waiting for a decent home. He said:

"There is no doubt that Manchester is facing a housing crisis. With house prices so high that home ownership is just a dream for many people, more and more are turning to the Council for help finding a home. But every year there are fewer and fewer affordable homes for the people who need them. 

"We need to build more homes for rent, and tackle the scandal of thousands of homes standing empty," he said. 

"Families shouldn't have to face years on the housing list just to get somewhere decent to live," he concluded.

Notes:

(i) Figures provided by Manchester Housing show an increase in the number of Right to Buy sales completed from 769 in Oct 2000 to 1,553 in October 2005.

(ii) Figures provided by Manchester Housing show an increase in the number of applicants who requested rehousing from 11,831 in 1999 to 18,791 in 2005 (as at Oct 2005).

(iii) Figures provided by Manchester Housing show the number of new build social housing units in Manchester was 95 in 2001/2; 287 in 2002/3 and 361 in 2003/4. No figures yet available for 2004/5.