A STAGGERING number of people are on the waiting list for social housing in South Lakeland with thousands of people forced to wait their turn in unsafe or unsecured accommodation.

A housing row over the plan to turn the disused Ulverston Town Hall into 18 affordable flats has revealed the scale of the social housing crisis in South Lakeland.

In a local authority of more than 100,000 people there are 3,000 in need of social or affordable rented accommodation.

Huge pressures placed on public expenditure since 2010 has resulted in a spiralling crisis which housing authorities often struggle to stay on top of.

The assistant director for South Lakes Housing, the body who oversees social housing for SLDC, said there was a huge demand for what they provide.

John Mansergh said: "We have 3,000 clients at the moment. In theory if they were empty tomorrow we could rent them all.

"There is a huge demand."

The ability for local authorities to provide affordable rented properties has come under sustained pressure over the past seven years.

Mr Mansergh identified three areas which have contributed to the problems faced today.

He said: "There has been a reduction in the affordable housing grants from central government. That is the biggest thing.

"Second, we've lost half of our stock due to right to buy. And third, is a lack of opportunity to develop new housing i.e. through land being available. There is a shortage of land."

The kind of people who want to live in social housing is a varied mix. Some may already be housed but in environments which are dangerous or unsafe. Others may be in unsecured accommodation such as at a parent's house or with friends. Or, some may live outside of the authority but are unable to afford private accommodation.

At a meeting of Ulverston Town Council on Monday (18) there was a split down the council over the plans for social housing in the town.
Labour councillor Judy Pickthall said: "The town hall is going to be put to good use. Contributing to the whole community, not just people who can afford to move in.

"No matter what their age, background or finance they can afford a damn good flat to rent."

The town council who are an advisory body to SLDC in planning matters voted to approve the development by nine votes to four.

Social housing crisis: How we got to this stage?

Mr Mansergh says the aversion to social housing during the coalition and Conservative governments from 2010 onward had a major impact on their work.

Focus on private companies to provide housing and encouraging people to buy council houses through the buy to let scheme has diminished the housing stock available to renters.

Mr Mansergh said: "David Cameron and George Osborne were looking to the private sector and targeting grants towards starter homes."

What does SLDC say about it all?

Mr Mansergh praised the district council saying they were proactive in working to provide affordable housing.

A spokesman from the council said: "One of our targets is assisting in the creation of affordable housing for rent by 2025.

"We set a target of creating 1,000 homes by 2025. That is to help the demand."

Read more: