The history of social housing

Social housing is defined as "housing provided for people on low incomes or with particular needs by government agencies or non-profit organizations." Social housing itself has been around, in the UK, since about the 1950's in which The Labour Party took power over government and recognised the need for affordable and free housing for those who are less fortunate. Social housing was then took up by private investors who tried to help the housing crisis/shortage that Britain was faced with whilst the rate of social houses being built fell and rose drastically in the fluctuations between a Labour and Conservative government. Specifically, falling when in the power of the Conservatives and rising again when in the power of Labour.

After years of struggle with Social Housing the government decided to create the "Right to buy" scheme in which people who had or wanted 'Council houses' could buy them off the council once they did not need the free scheme which the council had provided. After that law was passed the number 'Council houses' being sold rose from 7,000 in 1970 to nearly 46,000 in 1972; showing a very obvious successful impact on social housing.

However, for years now our government has failed to put the needed amount of money into social housing. For example, recently Theresa May has promised two billion pounds will be invested into social housing in the UK and that money would only just cover Southwark Council's social housing needs. This really shows the extent of the problem and how the neglect of our government has proved this issue needs immediate and strong action taken.