The social impact of the housing crisis

1 in 10 children (1.36m) is living in overcrowded houses across England, according to research undertaken by the National Housing Federation. In just under half (46%) of overcrowded homes, children are sharing a bedroom with an adult – impacting on an estimated 627,431 children. Due to an obvious lack of space, in 55% of overcrowded homes, children are struggling to undertake their homework.

As highlighted in our recent article by Michael Lambe, Director, M. Lambe Construction: ‘Festive period offers staff food for thought’ children from disadvantaged backgrounds, on average, remain 19-months behind their more advantaged peers by key stage 4; are unlikely to catch up and as a consequence, less likely to reach their full potential. Living in an overcrowded house is clearly a significant factor.

So what is the solution?

The main cause of overcrowding in England is a lack of housing, particularly affordable and social housing. Only 6,000 social-rented homes were built last year, when estimations say 145,000 new social homes per year are needed, including 90,000 for social rent.

The National Housing Federation is calling on UK Government to pledge £12.8bn per annum and fuel a housing boom that will deliver 145,000 new shared ownership properties to buy and social homes to rent each year. It will boost housebuilding rates above the UK Government’s 300,000 per annum target and contribute towards tackling the housing crisis.

At M. Lambe Construction we are already helping the leading housebuilders deliver the high-quality homes and infrastructure the UK desperately needs, and they are very happy with our dedication.

Gavin Jones, Production Director, Miller Homes, said: “We appointed M. Lambe Construction to undertake civil engineering works, Section 278 works, highway upgrades and deliver new estate infrastructure for a 243 unit housing development in Mickleover, Derbyshire. Right from the off, they were very professional in their approach and had a can-do attitude. They really embraced the ethos of what we wanted to achieve here: the delivery of homes built to outstanding quality.”

Chris Hollis, Commercial Director, McCarthy & Stone, also said: “I have worked with M. Lambe Construction on over 11 schemes in the past 4-years with McCarthy & Stone West Midlands prior to joining the East Midlands region. Each scheme has been excellent in terms of programme, build quality, management and service and therefore as a result of this, we have awarded them a partnering agreement.”

So, if you’d like to work with a civil engineering and groundworks specialist, who will work with you in collaboration to deliver projects to the highest levels of quality, health and safety and environmental management, send us your details to enquiries@mlambe.co.uk or call us on 0121 554 2108 to talk with one of our experts.