Twelve years to clear housing waiting list in Chester

Dec 1 2009 Chester Chronicle

CHESHIRE West & Chester Council could take over 12 years to house everyone on its housing waiting list, according to the housing charity Shelter.

Shelter says that with the local waiting list standing at 6,328 households, but only 512 homes let by the local authority last year, it could mean residents stuck on the list until 2021.

The housing charity has blamed the severe shortage of affordable homes in the area and has called on local MPs to ensure local housing issues are a top election priority.

Caroline Davey, Shelter’s deputy director of policy and campaigns, said: “The figures clearly show the desperate lack of affordable housing in Chester and how we are simply not building enough homes to meet the growing demand.

“The news will be a major blow to thousands of people who may have to spend this Christmas, and many more to come, in run down or unaffordable housing, or possibly trapped in temporary or overcrowded accommodation.”

Chester’s 12 years figure is above both the regional average of five years and the national average of almost seven years. In the North West 16.3% of local authorities will take more than 10 years to clear their waiting lists.

Ms Davey added: “The message is, even if you’re a priority you could still be waiting years to secure a council home.

“The only way to give people hope is for the Government and political parties to make housing investment a top election priority.”

A full list of English local authorities and how long they would take to clear their waiting lists can be viewed on www.shelter.org.uk/waitinglists.

Shelter has also launched a new Christmas campaign called the Big Build Up to raise awareness of what the charity is doing to help people in housing need this festive season.

Last Christmas the charity provided advice and assistance to more than 15,000 people in England who were suffering from a range of issues including rent and mortgage arrears, landlord problems, homelessness and domestic violence.

The campaign will also include a message that ‘Not everyone is going home for Christmas’ to highlight the plight of thousands of families in Britain who don’t have a decent, permanent place to live.

For more information on the Big Build Up log on to www.shelter.org.uk.