Archived press release

Barker housing report will not help those most in need

24 November 2004

A coalition launched by John Prescott which includes the CBI, Wimpy Homes, and the Town Planning Association is accused of being misguided and short-sighted in supporting the controversial Barker Report which, it's argued, will not help the hundreds of thousands of people struggling to get on the property ladder.

The criticism comes from Friends of the Earth, which argues that Barker's recommendations will not adequately increase the number of affordable homes across the country and could widen the economic gap between regions.

The environmental organisation says it will also lead to pressure on water supplies and the loss of biodiversity as uncontrolled development of housing in the south-east goes ahead without basic facilities such as public transport, schools or medical services while housing in the north of England is abandoned.

Friends of the Earth believes social housing, including support for the homeless, must be a key Government priority and that Barker will not provide this. Barker will also dismantle the planning system, leaving no way of making sure housing is built in the most appropriate place and to the highest environmental standards.

Friends of the Earth Director, Tony Juniper, said:

"House builders and the CBI are misleading people into thinking that simply building more housing will automatically help people who are homeless or need affordable housing. The Barker Report will do nothing to reduce current house prices or deliver the number of low cost homes that are needed. It will simply push growth into areas like the south east where the environment is already under considerable pressure."

"There needs to be a more integrated and considered approach which provides housing solutions for everyone across the country and protects the environment. If the Government is serious about dealing with housing poverty it must dramatically increase its investment in affordable housing and not destroy the important safeguards of the existing planning system."

The Barker Report would see housing land allocated for development based on price signals, bypassing important safeguards which should ensure such development is both sustainable and democratically controlled. While the report would result in much greater housing provision above the Government's existing targets and so stabilise house price inflation it will not help people in severe housing poverty.

Notes

The Barker report

Members of the coalition include:

Shelter
CBI
Wilson Bowden Homes
UNISON
Cabe
Town & Country Planning Association

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust