It has also called for a clearer commitment to social housing.
The CIH survey – called Power, Politics and Policy – consistently identified these issues as key questions to put to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Ruth Kelly, and Shadow Housing Minister, Michael Gove, at next week’s CIH Annual Conference and Exhibition in Harrogate.
The interim results, from over 750 CIH Members, gives a snapshot of opinion from housing professionals on the state of some of the UK’s political parties, their leaders and policies. The survey reflects the recent elections in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the decision of Tony Blair to stand down as Prime Minister later this month.
Despite the present affordability crisis and the current high levels of political debate and public interest, the survey suggests that many housing professionals are unconvinced about the housing policies advocated by the UK’s main political parties.
CIH members have indicated that more should be done in key policy areas: 83% of respondents thought there was too much emphasis on owning at the expense of renting; 78% of respondents wanted more to be done to tackle those estates that aren’t mixed; 71% thought the recent white paper planning reforms didn’t go far enough; 63% thought tenants should have more control in the running of their own homes. And an overwhelming 89% of respondents said more should be done to help local authorities play the leading role in delivering housing.
In relation to devolved Government, there was optimism in Northern Ireland that the historic power sharing agreement would result in improved housing for their communities (66%). Respondents were less convinced (33%) that the political arrangements resulting from the new minority Governments in Wales and Scotland would mean better housing policy.
Whilst there were mixed opinions about the UK’s political leaders, the main winner from the survey appeared to be Gordon Brown. In a straight choice between the three party leaders nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents considered Gordon Brown most likely to deliver improvements in social housing. But respondents were unconvinced (87%) that the current proposals for Eco homes would materially improve climate change.
The survey generated in excess of 550 questions which CIH members wanted to put to Government and opposition politicians to clarify many aspects of their housing policies. The lack of clarity in key policy areas was reinforced by a level of scepticism about the long term priority which would be given to housing. An element of distrust remains an issue for all parties, but especially for the new look Conservative Party with only a minority of respondents (22%) believing social housing would be safe in their hands.
Sarah Webb, deputy chief executive, said: “The emphatic message from our members for all three party leaders is that they need to do more to articulate a clear vision for housing. It seems clear that housing will feature as a key area for debate at the next Westminster election, but that we can’t wait that long to tackle the shortage of affordable housing and the disrepair in our current stock – and that’s not to mention the urgent action that’s needed to tackle the 27% of CO2 emissions that come from housing.
“Gordon Brown has made some encouraging statements about housing in general and social housing in particular, but the CSR07 will be the first test of how serious his commitment really is to ensuring everyone has access to a decent home that they can afford.”
