News and views

Everyone deserves a home

The introduction of the Renter’s Rights Act 2026 earlier this year, and our new Prime Minister stating that he will end rough sleeping, are important changes by the government to address the housing crisis. Significantly, it is an indicator that solutions are possible, and our housing system can be redesigned.

Most people would agree that the UK is facing a housing crisis. Rents are high, social housing is limited and owning a property feels out of reach for many. Rough sleeping is prevalent, and too many families with children are living in temporary accommodation. 

This is all a result of decades of underinvestment in our housing supply – which includes not building enough affordable homes, not keeping up with modernisation and adaptation of existing homes, as well as not addressing problems in the rental market. 

We fight for equity in health, wealth and life

We know that having a safe, secure and affordable home has a big impact on people’s wellbeing. A stable home provides the foundation for better physical and mental health, stronger family relationships, access to employment and education, and thriving communities.

Through Big Life Homes, we manage 35 flats in Liverpool. We’ve seen first-hand how affordable housing can transform lives. We are exploring new ways to expand our housing offer, including through Big Life Futures’ Fostering at Home project.

Creating homes for communities, not profit

We need to rebalance our housing system, reframing it to focus on people and not profit. We need to shift the focus from building expensive housing to building the right homes, in the right places that are affordable. Prioritising community over private profit.

Housing allocation

Over the last few years, there has been a growing narrative that the scarcity in our housing supply is linked to immigration. This idea is used as a political football that distracts us from thinking about solutions – how we can build more homes so that they are seen in abundance rather than as a scarcity. There is a housing crisis, and we need more homes that people can afford, but instead of housing being seen as a profit machine, it should be recognised for what it really is: a way of fostering stable communities. 

Social and council homes are based on an allocation process that may differ slightly between areas; however, generally the reasons people are given priority for housing can include domestic abuse, families with children, and people with health risks or disabilities. Importantly, eligibility for social housing is linked to having a legal right to live in the UK and meeting the relevant criteria for housing need.

Having conversations about housing and immigration

Discussing housing and immigration can feel challenging. When you do, it can help to:

• Focus on building shared beliefs, such as how health and wellbeing increase when you have a home. 

• Explain that the feeling of having a home is more likely to support community cohesion.

• Clarify that you will only be given priority for housing if you have a legal right to live in the UK and you have an urgent need.

• Stress that we ultimately need more truly affordable homes.