Leeds residents fear for the future of social housing
Campaigners in Leeds say that the proposed Housing and Planning Bill could force thousands of people onto the streets.
Campaigners in Leeds say that the proposed Housing and Planning Bill could force thousands of people onto the streets.
The government says it’s a necessary shake-up, which will cut spending and boost house-building and home ownership.
To fund parts of the Bill, in particular the right to buy extension to housing associations, local authorities will have to sell off their most valuable vacant homes.
Opponents say this will see fewer affordable houses for rent in the places they are most needed.
The so-called "pay to stay" reform has also caused controversy.
This will increase the rent for higher earners living in council housing, so more people pay closer to the market rate.
Critics say this will drive people out of their homes and make them worse off.
Liz Kitching is a Social Housing tenant in Leeds:
She’s told Radio Aire: "It makes you feel like a second class citizen based on the fact that you don't earn a six-figure salary. And because of that you don't deserve a safe home. I’m very hurt and very upset; I worked full time paying tax and insurance for more than thirty years. I see it as the end of social housing and that will mean more poverty and more homelessness.”
The bill is being debated in the House of Lords today.