Why it matters: Poor quality social housing can lead to health issues and additional costs for both tenants and the public purse, according to housing campaigners.
The big picture: The failing properties represent part of a wider regional issue:
1,452 homes across the East of England didn't meet standards
42,000 private social homes nationwide fell short of requirements
Only 20% of stock was surveyed, meaning that actual numbers could be higher
By the numbers:
There are 5,293 private social housing units in the town
46 are considered substandard – 0.9% of total private social housing
What they're saying: "There is no excuse for such poor standards," a Social Housing Action Campaign spokesperson said, adding they weren't confident of improvements while the government focuses on delivering new homes.
The other side: Alistair Smyth, National Housing Federation director of research and policy, defended the sector's record: "Over 90% of housing association homes meet the Decent Homes Standard, more than any other types of home including local authority, private rent, and owner-occupied homes."
What's being done:
The regulator is now conducting proactive inspections
Housing associations are spending "record amounts" on repairs
Government is considering extending standards to private rentals
Bottom line: While Ipswich's numbers appear relatively low compared to regional figures, one family living in substandard private social housing is too many.
