England is facing a housing emergency of unprecedented proportions.

Across every community, millions of individuals and families are being let down by a failing system, with far-reaching consequences for health, life chances and financial security and in turn, the wellbeing of the nation.

There is hope though as we approach the next general election and Solo Housing (East Anglia) is joining the call for a #PlanForHousing to tackle the root causes of this crisis and build a brighter future for all.

Despite national strategies being published on a range of issues from space exploration to shipbuilding, the UK government has yet to produce a comprehensive national plan for housing. This glaring omission has left 8.5 million people in England alone with some form of unmet housing need, with social housing identified as the optimal solution for 4.2 million of these individuals.

The repercussions of this housing crisis are profound, extending beyond mere shelter to impact health, education, and societal well-being. The UK currently spends a higher proportion of its GDP on housing allowances than any other OECD country, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable solutions. Lower rents charged by social housing providers could potentially save tenants an estimated £18 billion annually, equating to an average of £5,000 per household per year.

The consequences of inaction are stark and far-reaching. Without decisive intervention, projections suggest that by 2030, every school in England will have an average of seven homeless children living in temporary accommodation and 85 children living in overcrowded homes. These statistics paint a troubling picture of the future that awaits if urgent action is not taken.

To truly make a difference in the lives of those most affected by the housing crisis, it is imperative that any plan for housing takes a long-term approach. Housing associations and residents alike require certainty and stability to effectively plan for the future and address the systemic issues contributing to the crisis.

At Solo, we are committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that address the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity. We believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home and we will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving this vision.

Our CEO Andrew Meyer said; “The facts are truly shocking and in a country as wealthy as the UK, politics should be an enabler not a barrier to resolving the issue once and for all”.

As we look towards the future, we urge policymakers, stakeholders and individuals alike to join us in demanding a #PlanForHousing that prioritises the needs of those most vulnerable in our society. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to the housing they need and deserve.