• News & events
• Archived news releases
• 2009 archived press releases
• Unite members at Superdrug’s national distribution centre set to strike indefinitely as Christmas rush begins
• Unite urges AXA to abandon unfair bonus system
• Unite criticises the Scottish government for failing to support jobs
• Momentum grows for more health visitors and school nurses to be employed
• Diageo workers vote yes for action to save jobs
• 'The tide bringing more public housing is getting stronger' says Unite
• Unite union calls on government to re-mutualise Northern Rock
• Unite's reaction to latest unemployment figures
• Unite and the CPI launch health and safety campaign
• UK's biggest union backs tomorrow's talent

The tide bringing more public housing is getting stronger says Unite

29th October 2009

The latest government ‘push’ on housing – 54 publicly funded housing projects in England were given ‘the green light’ today (Thursday, 29 October) – was welcomed by Unite.

Unite, the largest union in the country, welcomed today’s announcement by housing minister, John Healey, for the government funding for the delayed housing projects.

These now join 27 other Kickstart sites announced during the past six weeks, as having passed the ‘value for money’ tests set out.

Unite deputy general secretary, Jack Dromey, said: "It is clear that the tide for more publicly-funded housing is getting stronger all the time and this is to be welcomed. The government is making a concerted and genuine effort to tackle one of the major social issues in Britain today – the need for good quality housing.

"Bad housing harms health and the lack of housing fuels racism. Building Britain out of a recession will strengthen local communities."

Unite assistant general secretary for the public sector, Gail Cartmail, said: "If anyone on a housing waiting list thinks that the Conservatives are going to deliver on housing, they are living in a fantasy land. Tory housing policy will mean less social housing, and higher rents for tenants."

Earlier this year, Unite unveiled its blueprint, Meeting housing need: Building Britain out of recession which called for a ‘massive’ council and social house building programme for the 4.5 million people on waiting lists.

ENDS

Notes to news editors:

With provisional approval in place for a further 61 projects, the funding invested into Kickstart is set to reach £450 million with a total of 152 projects delivering over 11,000 new homes across the country – including 5,000 for low cost sale or rent. 70 per cent of these projects will offer apprenticeships and local labour schemes.

Unite is uniquely placed to comment on the current housing situation, having as it does members in housing associations, local government, and the construction and finance sectors.

For further information, please contact: Jack Dromey 020 7611 2563 or Gail Cartmail 07768 931 305 or Shaun Noble, communications officer 020 7420 8951 or 07768 693 940