Homes fit for families report highlights 'emotional turmoil' caused by overcrowding » Housing » 24dash.com

An increase in the number of homes repossessed may lead to a rise in family arguments, sleep deprivation, a lack of privacy for parents and children’s poor attainment at school.

That’s because families who lose their homes to repossession are likely to find themselves sharing with friends or family, renting a property which is smaller than their needs or living in temporary accommodation such as hostels or bed and breakfasts. 

A new report out today from the Family and Parenting Institute, entitled ‘Homes fit for families’, highlights the serious emotional turmoil that living in cramped housing can have on a family.

One survey found that as many as 74% of parents living in overcrowded homes are sharing their bedroom with their children, which naturally leads to a lack of privacy.

Increased stress levels, poor health and a feeling of hopelessness are also experienced by families who live in homes that are just not big enough for them.

Claire James, Policy Officer (and author of the report) of the Family and Parenting Institute said: “Research has shown that families forced to live in homes that are unfit for their needs suffer tremendously under the strain. 

“Already there are many families stuck in this appalling predicament and the number is likely to soar across the nation as more families’ finances begin to buckle under the weight of the credit crisis.”

There are over half a million overcrowded households in Britain – of which above 200,000 are social housing.

Some families are so short of space that living rooms become make-shift bedrooms at night and simple things such as getting dressed, preparing food or doing homework become a nightmare.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders predicts 125 families a day will be removed from their homes because they cannot pay their mortgage and that the number of repossessions this year will be almost twice the amount of those in 2007.

Earlier this year the Local Government Association estimated that, because of the current housing situation, five million people would be on the housing waiting list by 2010.

As the new report highlights, in many areas of the country the social housing situation is already in a dire predicament – the number of people on the housing list has risen by 60% since 19973.  

Already 87,000 people live in temporary accommodation such as hostels.

The Family and Parenting Institute is seriously concerned that the rise in repossessions will also result in a rise in unhappy families because they are forced to live in spaces that are inadequate for their needs.

But the Family and Parenting Institute believes that suitable homes could be available and family tensions could be soothed if:

• More family sized houses are built – particularly in the social housing sector.
• There is a change in house size criteria so that it is not just the number of rooms that stipulates an adequate family home but also the size of them.
• Planners ask parents and children what they want and need from a home.
• In areas where a lot of people take advantage of ‘Right to Buy’, proceeds from the sales are used to build more social housing.
• There is more relationship support available for couples and families so that when things do start to get tough, advice and help is easy accessible and affordable.

“There is no overnight solution to this problem,” added Claire James.  “Building new, adequate homes will take time but that’s no reason not to start now.

"The need for social housing is already high and it is likely to increase day by day. Many families are at risk of a miserable and insecure future that’s why we must take action.”