Chronic shortage of social housing leaves families stuck in harmful accommodation

Nearly three quarters (73%) of people surveyed on UK social housing waiting lists across the UK experienced problems with their accommodation that was harmful to their health, according to new research.

The research, which comes from national homelessness charity Crisis, Lloyds Banking Group and Simon Community Northern Ireland, surveyed over 1,000 adults who are on social housing waiting lists or in social housing. It uncovers the impact the chronic shortage of social housing is having on people’s lives. 

Nearly two thirds (62%) said the condition of their current property had negatively impacted their mental health. Many expressed how the lack of a stable home has left them feeling drained, with some being diagnosed with anxiety and depression as a result.

With over 1.5m UK households stuck on social housing waiting lists, the new research also reveals how over half of those surveyed (55%) felt like their lives were on hold. Almost half (47%) said that they’re putting off starting a family, two in five (42%) have delayed changing jobs or starting new careers out of fear of unsettling their housing situation further, while others have postponed going back to school or university – robbing them of a chance at building a stable future. 

Unsuitable accommodation

The study also reveals how people are forced to live in accommodation not fit for purpose while waiting for a social home. One parent shared how their child developed breathing problems due to damp and mould, another had to deal with fleas, while others reported having to share beds with their children due to a lack of space. 

A quarter of those on waiting lists said there was no space for children to do their homework, with 29% saying there was no space for children to play.

The ‘A – Z’ of issues caused by the social housing shortage

The findings have informed a campaign by Lloyds Banking Group and Crisis, documenting an A-Z of lived experiences of those waiting for a social home. A for Anxiety. C for Cramped. W for Waiting List. And Z feels like Zero Way Out. The reality of the UK’s social housing crisis is highlighted by a video produced by Crisis and Lloyds Banking Group, titled ‘The Waiting List’, which features a mother and child playing with letter blocks in a temporary accommodation bedsit.

Charlie Nunn, Chief Executive at Lloyds Banking Group, said:

“Everyone has a right to a safe and secure home.  Sadly, this is not the reality for the millions of people and families trapped on social housing waiting lists who, as revealed in new research, are experiencing many harmful impacts on their health, work and homelives.  This is why Lloyds Banking Group and Crisis have called for 1 million more homes at social rent within the next ten years.  It will take all of us, collaborating across different sectors and at pace, in order to help end homelessness.”

Matt Downie, Chief Executive at  Crisis, said:

“It’s clear there is no time to wait to deliver the social housing we need to tackle homelessness. This report lays bare how our broken housing system is endangering people’s health, how it’s putting lives on hold and forcing parents to share beds with their children. 

“With tens of thousands of people unable to move on with their lives, it’s critical that the government continues to be bold in its ambition on social housing and swiftly implements the changes needed to address the chronic shortage of social homes. Together with our partner Lloyds Banking Group, we are calling for one million social homes over the next decade to end homelessness for good.”

Despite the need for affordable housing, the UK saw a net loss of over 12,000 social homes in England  in 2023. A quarter of renters will now spend between five and ten years waiting for a social home.  

These are just some of the reasons Lloyds Banking Group is continuing to champion social housing. Since 2018, it has provided over £18.5 billion in new funding to the social housing sector. It has also recently announced intentions for the redevelopment of decommissioned Group data centres and former office sites into new social housing projects, starting with a site in Pudsey, West Yorkshire

Social housing provides truly affordable and secure homes for people, giving them a foundation from which they can plan their future. The research highlights that being able to live in a social home would offer some the opportunity to go back to work or start new businesses, while families would be able to spend Christmas together and give their children a room of their own.