Responding to Housing White Paper (2017)

Responding to the 2017 Housing White Paper, Nacro Chief Executive, Jacob Tas, said:
“We welcome aspects of the Housing White Paper, in particular the government’s commitment to increase the availability of affordable homes to rent, ensure longer-term tenancies and reduce rent rates for private renters. However, more thinking is required to ensure that vulnerable people and those on the lowest incomes can access and sustain housing that gives them every chance to succeed in life.

“The current lack of adequate housing in England, and the market-driven nature of the private rented sector, present significant barriers for vulnerable people and those on the lowest incomes.

“At Nacro, we provide housing to people who often have complex needs, helping them overcome the many challenges they face in order to build positive, independent futures.

“All too often, we see people with mental health needs, young people leaving care, those experiencing crisis in their lives or those recently released from prison struggle to secure the stable housing they need. In particular, difficulties arise as people try to move on from supported housing into what is often an oversubscribed, market-driven private rented sector.

“It is essential that our future housing market enables everyone to access and sustain a decent home. It is also crucial that supported housing services for vulnerable people are protected going forward.

“We look forward to working with departments and stakeholders to explore options across the supported housing and private rented sectors.”