Yes say community leaders and trade union activists who have signed an open letter accusing housing associations of becoming “increasingly commercial”.
Inside Housing has reported:
“The letter – which is signed by film-maker Ken Loach, academic Danny Dorling and several London bishops – has called for more social housing and asks political leaders to focus on the “huge damage” that “insecure, unaffordable, substandard” housing is causing.
“We believe building more homes that are genuinely affordable and secure is essential. This requires long-term government investment and freeing local councils to build the homes we need,” it stated.
The leaders urge the next government to make housing associations more accountable, restore regulation and build more social rent homes.
“We are also concerned about the role of housing associations, set up as ‘social landlords’ to help people in housing need but becoming increasingly commercial,” the letter said.
It added: “We call on the next government to make housing associations more accountable, restore regulation and demand they build more homes for rent at not-for-profit social rent levels.”
The letter, which was delivered to 10 Downing yesterday, was co-signed by 47 people and organisations, including Generation Rent, the PCS trade union and Defend Council Housing.”