This year marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of council housing. But instead of being able to proudly celebrate its success we are sadly, firmly in the midst of a housing crisis.
Our country has not been building enough new council houses to meet demand. And since the 1980s, millions of council houses have been sold off through the Right to Buy without being replaced.
The result – more than 1 million people are on council house waiting lists today.
So on the 100th anniversary of council housing, I’m calling out for your support. Please sign my change.org petition calling for 100,000 new council houses to be built every year for the next 30 years.
Filming my new show George Clarke’s Council House Scandal, I’ve spoken to people right across the country about their lives on council estates. Now I want to hear from you.
Have you ever lived in council housing? I want to know what you think is good and not so good about where you live, and what changes you would like to see the Government make.
Send me your thoughts – either as comments, pictures, or better still as a video. Use the hashtag #CouncilHouse100:
Alternatively, send a message using the form below:
I’m proud to have been raised on a thriving council estate in the 1970s. I love going back to visit my Mam and Dad, who are lucky enough to have the security of a wonderful and affordable home.
My neighbourhood was a fantastic place to grow up and everyone was proud of their council-owned homes. This country’s obsession with home ownership in the last 40 years has created real stigma around rented council housing – and it breaks my heart.
100 years ago, the birth of council housing brought affordability, security, and better living standards to millions of people across the UK. I want this country to remember the true value of council housing and restore it to a place of pride.
That’s why I’m calling on the Government for 100,000 new and better council houses to be built every year for the next 30 years.
It’s time for the Government to tackle our Council House Scandal – and I need your help to make it happen.