GMB: 'investment in housing needed to boost economy'

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Development

GMB, the general workers union, has said that urgent investment is needed in housing, schools and other social infrastructure to boost the economy and meet the needs of the UK's growing population.

The union claims that many areas need more housing, schools, health and recreation facilities, improved transport links and more care for the elderly.

The call comes after GMB's analysis of population growth between 2001 and 2011 in 174 counties, London and metropolitan boroughs and unitary authorities in England and Wales.

The analysis shows that the population grew in all 10 regions in England and Wales between 2001 and 2011 as follows: London 14.0%, East Midlands 8.7%, East of England 8.5%, South East 7.9 %, South West 7.3%, Yorkshire and The Humber 6.4% West Midlands 6.4%, Wales 5.5%, North West 4.8% and North East 3.2%.

Brian Strutton, GMB National Secretary for Public Services, said: “These figures show that many areas need more schools, more housing, improved transport links, more health facilities, upgrades in utilities like water and more recreation facilities. There is a need for a step change in how we care for growing number of the elderly and in particular how can we help them stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

"National and local government and the private sector must use this growth in population as the springboard to reflate the economy by providing the social infrastructure this population needs.

"Leadership is needed to deliver such a programme as well as the £200bn investment to deliver essential energy and infrastructure projects. It is a bigger challenge than delivering the Olympics.

"Osborne is simply not up to the job and is doing the opposite of what is needed. He should be moved to make way for a change of direction.”