Local homes for local people' may be illegal

Author: The Guardian - Jul 5, 2009

Posted in: Planning, Housing and Economic Development / Reform of the social housing system / Local Government News

A key element of Gordon Brown's strategy to win the next general election is probably illegal, according to expert analysis commissioned by the UK's equality watchdog and seen by the Observer

An interim report, written by one of the country's leading think tanks for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), highlights grave doubts about the government's pledge last week to allocate more social housing to "local" people.

The emotive issue has divided Labour as it attempts to battle perceptions that a disproportionate number of council houses go to immigrants, something that has played into the hands of far-right parties including the BNP.

"We want to see a bigger role and responsibility for local authorities to meet housing needs of people in their areas," Brown said when introducing the government's legislative programme for the next year, on which it will fight the next election.

But the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), which last year was commissioned by the equality watchdog to look into housing allocation, has concluded that such measures are flawed and could open up councils to legal challenges.

Go to the original article here

• "Localis is fast gaining a reputation for pre-empting the localist agenda, producing thought provoking research and practical policy ideas"Anthony Seldon, author and political commentator
• "Localis’ commitment to decentralisation crosses party boundaries, and their research illuminates policy problems with new practical thinking"Prof George Jones, LSE
• "Localis offers a great blend of a passion for innovation, grounded practical ideas and unswerving belief in the possibilities of local governance"Derek Myers, Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

more