JRF - PM right to fix affordable housing crisis, now further action needed to fulfil the British dream

4 Oct 2017 06:46 PM

Campbell Robb, chief executive of the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), responded to Theresa May’s speech at  the Conservative party conference yesterday.

PM right to fix affordable housing crisis, now further action needed to fulfil the British dream

“Theresa May was right to highlight how the housing crisis is destroying the British dream and today’s top up for the affordable housing fund is a welcome start to fixing the problem.

“People on low incomes feel the crippling cost of housing acutely and getting the country building homes for low-cost rent is crucial.

“Analysis of the election result shows voters on low incomes and people who felt their household finances were getting worse were more likely to vote for Labour.

“It shows the Conservatives’ offer needs to go beyond Brexit and too many people on low incomes felt the party did not do enough to help them fulfil the British dream.

“Now the Prime Minister must press on with a bolder programme to help people who are just about managing. This means lifting the freeze on benefits and tax credits, ensuring families can keep more of what they earn under Universal Credit and using the industrial strategy to boost wages, productivity and training in left behind parts of the economy and country.”