To think that there is a misunderstanding about social housing.

[Bitchesbelike]

On social media, lots of people assume that people in social / council housing are getting a free house and don’t work.

i grew up in social housing: my dad worked from age 15 to 65.

my brothers have worked since they were 16 and both live in social housing.

its not “free housing”: it’s rented, affordable accommodation.

I have no idea what you mean by that. Social housing is subsidised. Housing associations do not pay market rate for the capital they use. Therefore the taxpayer is directly subsidising people paying less than market rate. I’m ok with that in order to make it possible for people on low wages to live in expensive areas and to support the disabled. I’m not ok with it being some kind of lifetime lottery ticket for the chosen few.

if there are any housing associations that are entirely independent from the government and paid all their capital costs themselves (presumably through some sort of philanthropy, do any of these exist?), then they are charities. Charities can of course choose who to help without the taxpayer having any say, but morally my view is still that they should target support to those in need rather than providing lifetime tenancies or support to people who don’t need it.

If council housing was better allocated, councils could spend less on housing benefits for private rent, and that money could go to other services. Direct impact on taxpayers.

Exactly, and only certain people are eligible for this type of housing

Social housing is State provided- usually via local councils and registered social landlords such as housing associations.
It is not free...rent is charged for each property. Depending on the tenant's financial circumstances they may be able to apply for help with rental costs via means- testing. This is usually via the Housing Element ( HE) of UC ( Universal Credit). Housing Benefit is now for State Pension Age people and limited other groups.

Precisely. I love your shouting at clouds line. They’re hellbent on being right even though they’re obviously wrong.

Not for profit is in no way the same as “not subsided” Of course social housing is subsidised. If it wasn’t, why are all RPs currently waiting for confirmation of the next round of government allocation in their area to decide how much more social housing they can build? If it wasn’t subsidised, they would just be cracking on and building what they want? Who do you think pays for Homes England and all the funding it allocates? The tax payer, obviously.
Of course it is subsidised and it absolutely should be. We need far, far more social housing than we currently have, waiting lists are enormous, the amount of families in totally unsuitable temporary accommodation is unacceptable. Everyone should have access to a safe, secure affordable home.

We should have a lot more social housing. A lot.

The problem is also private landlords who demand they make a profit from renting. How many tenants are paying "in case the boiler breaks"?

It is not for renters to cover the cost of the mortgage, that is for the owner. Their profit is in the equity of the actual house when sold. Currently they make profit on the rent AND again when they sell the house.

Many of the county's challenges with the cost of living could be instantly solved by bringing in rent control and making landlords with more than 3 or so rental properties required to be a housing associations with restrictions and responsibilities under the law.

Of course its subsidised. People should just not be allowed to coast along in cheap housing for life when they would be able to afford to buy privately or rent privately.

Not subsidised its secure

Why are private landlords not told they have subsidised and free housing when their tenant's rent is covered by housing benefit/UC?

Boggles my head man.

They also don't understand that private rentals are a step down from SH. Who would give up a secure tenancy for an unsecure one?

I think the light needs to be shone on private landlords and their greedy ways personally. Nobody should get their mortgage paid for by benefits and keep the asset at the end.

Here's a thought. Instead of tearing up the countryside for swathing Estate, we build upwards and then create downsizing flats.