There are more poor people in the UK than rich

So why do we insist on building more homes that only the rich can afford?

When Gordon Brown said he’d make sure we’d have loads of affordable housing by 2020, did he mean to buy or did he mean to rent?

What we need is more social rented housing.  And before people start bleating on about not wanting ‘those sorts of people’ living near them, I would like to remind them that most people living on benefits or on a low earned income are not criminals and are very capable of achieving an education and contributing positively to society in many ways.

Why wouldn’t you want to live amongst people like that?

Filed under: UK housing, affordable rented housing, social housing, UK housing

Complain about your local council housing department!

If you have been trying to obtain housing due to your circumstances and your local council have been alot less than helpful, then you MUST complain!

Many people feel that ‘it isn’t worth it’ or they don’t know how to complain, but please you must try – it is one of the ways in which to make councils sit up, listen and correctly do the jobs they are paid for!

1) First of all, check your housing position before you complain. Are you right in your complaint? Check at www.shelter.org.uk

2) Go to your local council’s website or telephone them asking for a copy of their complaints procedure. This usually has around four steps to go through. If you believe you have not been treated fairly, or they have made mistakes, dealt with you slowly or abusively, make sure you follow the steps properly.

3) If you don’t get the outcome you want. Go to the Local Government Ombudsman. It is alot easier than you think.

It involves writing letters back and forth. If you are worried about writing letters, ask for help from someone like a friend, relative or an advisor at Shelter, or Citizens Advice.

TIP! Although it costs more, you should send all letters Recorded Signed For 1st or 2nd class post. This ensures you can track the letter and that it has been received by the council and keep the receipt in case you need to show it as evidence of your correspondance.

Rest assured, you are not alone – many more people are taking action and not allowing themselves to be fobbed off by their local council housing departments!

Filed under: UK housing, bad housing, housing, local council, local government ombudsman, making a complaint, UK housing