Housing is deeply political — We forget that at our peril! — Dawn Bowden AM
Introduction
The provision of quality homes and an adequate supply of housing speak to both our political history and to contemporary Welsh Labour values. Since my election in 2016, I have given a high priority to housing issues by speaking up in the debate around protecting the “Supporting People” funds, campaigning against exploitation, such as ‘ending sex for rent’, pushing for reform on ‘no-fault evictions’ and supporting local work on homeless services. It is a priority that is set for me by my casework and by my political values.
Delivering in Government
Even in the age of Tory austerity, Welsh Labour took the chance in 2011 and 2016 to set out Welsh election promises that would help to change the housing agenda. This is now reflected in both the delivery of more affordable homes and in legislation to protect our vital, and scarce, public housing stock. It is shown in the funding of innovative housing projects, strengthening support for vulnerable people and the rollout of Housing First strategies.
Delivering on these issues reflects our priorities, and for me lies at the core of our drive for greater social justice. A safe, warm home is key to personal wellbeing, and the lack of such security is damaging too many people in our communities. It is why I will ask for us to now go further at the 2021 elections.
Playing catch up
Given the recent flurry of policy announcements by both the Welsh Tories and Nationalists it seems clear they have both decided it is time to attempt a catch-up.
It has been interesting to observe the Welsh Conservatives, guided by David Melding AM, nudging themselves on to the housing agenda over recent months. Though their attempt at a new caring face was somewhat undermined when a local Tory councillor popped up on social media demanding to “tear down the tents” of the homeless.
In truth I can offer only a begrudging response to their calls to build a “new consensus” on housing in Wales. It is begrudging on my part because on a weekly basis I see the harsh reality of current Conservative policies on too many vulnerable people who are in housing need in our communities.
The heavy lifting
It is also begrudging because, yet again, it is Welsh Labour who have had to undertake the heavy lifting. Heavy lifting in the face of a decade of Tory austerity as we seek to roll back the impact of austerity and so many other callous Tory policies.
Not the least of these challenges, and the experience of so many elected representatives being the harsh impacts of Tory welfare reform. Welfare reforms that have left too many people desperate, wondering how to pay bills as vital income is removed from their pockets. People in our Valleys communities who turn in 2019 have turned to holiday hunger clubs to get their kids through the school holidays.
So I will never forgive a Tory UK Cabinet stuffed full of millionaires deciding that families in some of our most impoverished communities should be charged a “bedroom tax” and exacerbating housing problems in our communities.
Political choice — not false consensus
It seems the Welsh Tories want to speak to some golden era of a former consensus on housing — yet was that ever really true? In my experience, it has too often been the Conservative Party that has been the barrier to providing the housing we need.
For example in the 1950’s the Conservative manifestos spoke about their fear of “Socialist” housing targets. That is a fear of building the homes that people needed.
Though perhaps I should moderate my tone in noting that in 1950 it was Churchill’s manifesto which said “Rent control must continue until there is no housing shortage at any given level”. Perhaps I’ll put that in one on a list of potential issues for a new consensus at the 2021 elections. It would certainly be welcomed by a great number of people now subject to private rent levels that are well beyond their means.
It’s not the “red tape”
Very recently we heard a senior industry voice bemoan the ‘red tape’ that it was claimed hold back housebuilding levels. Yet figures released by the National House Building Council suggest that in reality, the activity of major house builders remains at the margins of solutions to the housing needs in our Valleys communities. The industry, and initiatives like the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme which support it, hardly make a dent on our needs. Though, judging by the experience of the former head of Persimmon Homes public subsidy seemed to have boosted private bonus payments!
So in our valleys communities, we must look to be more active in renewing the existing stock, scale up existing initiatives, support those local builders who are keen to build new homes and bring public capital and innovative finance to develop the homes we need in the decade ahead. I hope the Valleys Taskforce and City region assist in this work.
Time for the next steps
I am excited for what Welsh Labour can offer at the 2021 elections. Building on our recent record we can go further, and we must always strive to go faster:
· Safe warm homes deliver benefits for wellbeing, health, and social care,
· We must strengthen action to tackle the causes of housing problems and not just the symptoms like “sex for rent”,
· Housing investment will secure greater investment in local economies, jobs, apprenticeships, skills/training and deliver a more cyclical economy,
· Provides a route into work for those not active in the labour market,
· Safe homes help to tackle mental health problems, and assist with dementia and other conditions through the provision of more suitable homes,
· Invest more in the local environments and estates where people live,
· Move to strengthen the voice of tenants — including mutual models,
· Greater use of innovative construction — for people of all ages,
· Homes will be needed — whatever happens with BREXIT!
In tackling homelessness we must be bolder. We feel like a community that is full of empathy for those suffering homelessness, but in truth, we do not care enough. What we see is an affront to our purpose and we must do more to resolve root causes and work alongside people for solutions.
My conclusion: housing is a win-win policy for 2021
Ø A win for all communities in Wales
Investment in housing — an issue central to the wellbeing of all generations in all communities. Delivering safe warm homes and improved local environments.
Ø A win for the people of Wales
A clear campaign priority on an issue that matters to voters, of all ages, in every community, in every part of Wales. Improved housing conditions and security in your home.
Ø A win for our trade unions and socialist societies
Investment in local economies, jobs, skills, training, and apprenticeships, and support for solutions through mutual and cooperative models of housing.
Ø A win for our delivery partners
Whether in local government, Public Service Boards, Local Health Boards, Policing and Community safety, or across the housing and voluntary sectors, this is a policy agenda that can deliver real and lasting change of significant value to everyone.
For me, housing will always be a deeply political issue — and we forget that fundamental ideological struggle at our peril!
Dawn Bowden is the Assembly Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney.