Shocking research reveals affordable housing crisis in Slough
06-29-2014
'Severe pressure' is faced by Slough's housing service as the town tops a list for the lowest number of affordable homes in the South-east.
On Wednesday homeless charity Shelter published shock new figures which showed of the 352 two-bed properties on sale in the town, none were classed as being affordable for a family on an average income looking to buy their first home.
The charity looked at asking prices for thousands of properties for sale in the South-east and compared them with the mortgage families, couples and single people on average wages could afford as first-time buyers.
Analysis of the housing market was carried out by comparing asking prices for properties on sale with affordability thresholds for different household earnings.
It found 96 per cent of the properties for sale in the South-east were unaffordable for the average working family looking to buy their first home.
Slough was ranked number one out of 67 towns polled in the research, with an affordability rate of 0 per cent.
Deputy leader for Slough Borough Council, James Swindlehurst, said work was being done to build affordable housing in Slough, including 120 affordable units at Castleview, and 258 new properties as part of the Britwell regeneration.
He added: "The research by Shelter has highlighted that Slough's housing service is facing a severe pressure, as there is an under supply of both private and social housing.
"As a council we have been taking measures to address this and have often taken tough decisions to back major housing developments because it's what the town needs.
"We understand local people are struggling as a result of this broken market, which is why we have amended our housing policy to prioritise local residents and are supporting measures to bring accommodation back to our town centre through the conversion of empty office space."
Slough MP Fiona Mactaggart is also calling for action to be taken to make housing more affordable in Slough.
She said: "The research by Shelter illustrates a stark truth. Even if a young family works hard and saves a deposit, they still won't be able to find a house in our town."
The research marks another blow for the town, which also has 'inadequate' children's services, a hospital in special measures and is currently battling a school places crisis.