Memorandum-to-the-Prime-Minister-on-Unaffordable-Housing

Europe, and that <strong>the</strong> average deposit for a first time buyer has increased from £4,800 in 1996 <strong>to</strong> £26,800 in
2003 (Social Exclusion Unit 2004). Reflecting <strong>the</strong> feedback from many employers and members <strong>the</strong> campaign
draws attention especially <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> widespread evidence that <strong>the</strong> affordability problem creates severe difficulties
for <strong>the</strong> recruitment and retention of staff, especially ‘key’ public sec<strong>to</strong>r workers in many areas.
Referring <strong>to</strong> housing output <strong>the</strong> Campaign points out that in <strong>the</strong> ten years 1993-2002 <strong>the</strong> output of new homes
was 12.5% lower than in <strong>the</strong> preceding ten years 1983-1992. It argues that:
‘...lower rates of housebuilding constrain economic growth and high housing costs have a negative
impact on business location decisions, competitiveness and labour-market mobility.’
The Campaign accepts <strong>the</strong> general Barker Review line that housing supply ‘...is a key <strong>to</strong>ol for improving market
affordability and in meeting <strong>the</strong> needs of a rising population and economic growth.’
This emphasis on housing supply, decent standards and affordability as a key prerequisite for economic growth
and labour market efficiency is one that has been advanced for some time by housing specialists. But it has only
now been taken up by powerful voices representing both employers and employees making common cause with
a housing charity, and with design, architectural, planning and housebuilding interests.This convergence of a
broad set of perspectives is illustrated by <strong>the</strong> explicit emphasis on both demand and need and by reference in <strong>the</strong>
Campaign’s press releases <strong>to</strong> evidence such as <strong>the</strong> doubling of <strong>the</strong> number of households in temporary
accommodation over <strong>the</strong> period 1995 <strong>to</strong> 2003.
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Zacchaeus 2000 Trust - <strong>Memorandum</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Prime</strong> <strong>Minister</strong> - May 2005