NHS workers struggle as private rents become unaffordable claims Shelter

Shelter claims NHS workers are being priced out of the private rented sector.

According to the housing charity, in almost half (45%) of local authorities in England, renting in the private sector is unaffordable for newly qualified nurses.

Last year, Generation Rent called for rents to be capped for key workers, despite the fact that rent controls do more harm than good.

Private rents are unaffordable

Research by Shelter analyses government data on private and social rents and claims social rents are affordable to key workers.

The housing charity says in London and the South East of England the average rent for a one-bed home for a newly qualified nurse is unaffordable in 93% of local authorities.

Shelter also claims private rented homes are unaffordable in 43% of England for new teachers and in 69% for a healthcare assistant in the NHS.

In contrast, Shelter claims social rented homes are affordable in 100% of the country for NHS key workers and teachers.

Families are pushed into extortionate and unstable private renting

According to Shelter, nearly 1.5 million key workers are struggling or behind on their rent with nearly half (47%) claiming they are one cheque away from homelessness.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter said: “A strong economy relies on essential workers having stable, genuinely affordable homes within their communities. But without enough social housing, nurses, teachers, and other key workers are being priced out, making it harder for hospitals, schools, and local businesses to find and keep staff.

“For decades we’ve lost more social homes than we’ve built, while sinking money into temporary solutions and so-called “affordable homes” that aren’t truly affordable for people on lower incomes.

“As a result, families are pushed into extortionate and unstable private renting, or into homelessness, driving them out of their local areas away from their jobs, schools and support networks.”

Ms Neate adds: “Social homes are vital for the economy and the only lasting solution to the housing emergency, but there’s nowhere near enough of them. The government must use the June Spending Review to invest in 90,000 social homes a year for ten years – ambitious investment would boost jobs, give people security and end homelessness for good.”

Sadiq Khan unveiled plans for rent-controlled homes

Generation Rent urged the last Conservative government to introduce rent controls for key workers. In November last year, London Mayor Sadiq Khan unveiled plans for rent-controlled homes to make housing more affordable for key workers in the capital.

Under the plan, rents would be capped at 40% of key workers’ average household incomes. However, the scheme would also be open to barristers and solicitors.

As long as an applicant earns less than £67,000 a year, eligible professions also include actors, clergy, psychologists, and vets.