Housing shortage an utter scandal

From the archive, first published Friday 3rd Mar 2006.

SIR - It's a disgrace that somewhere to live has become the stuff that only dreams are made of for ever-increasing numbers of people. The recent front page item showed that Worcester has a substantial housing crisis and it seems to be getting worse as the escalating national problem is reflected here.

But are existing agencies thinking laterally and being proactive enough to deal with the immediate crisis? Take Worcester City Council for example. It is to hold a public consultation exercise with some random house calling. It's good it is wishing to gauge opinion, and stimulate debate, but what is really needed is real action that can put a front door key in someone's hand.

Worcester is one the "lucky" minority of towns and cities in the UK that has a special housing and homelessness project - Worcester Housing and Benefits Advice Centre - which employs a considerable number of staff and some of those help people find accommodation.

Perhaps they should work in partnership with other agencies in a concerted publicity drive to find people who have never rented out property but who are prepared to provide sensibly-priced private accommodation to the homeless.

There is no use in waiting for years for affordable social housing to emerge from the mist. Action is needed right now to find homes for Worcestershire people.

ANDREW BROWN,

Worcester.

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