Housing
New Bill to protect Family Housing
Alan Whitehead has launched a bill in Parliament to regulate the number of family homes which can be converted into HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupancy).
Hundreds of constituents have contacted Dr Whitehead about the growing number of family homes being converted into HMOs in Southampton. The cumulative effect of many HMO conversions in a small area can mean more pressure on local services and less family housing available for first time buyers and for families on council housing waiting lists.
Read more:
- Homes for all? An article by Alan on the state of housing in Southampton and what his HMO Bill would do if enacted
- A summary of Alan's 10-minute rule bill on HMOs
- Transcript of Alan's 10 minute rule bill speech
- Speech on HMOs in a debate on sustainable communities
- Read Alan's policy document: Bringing Houses in Multiple Occupancy into Planning Law
- Read the full Bill
Tenancy Deposit Scheme
If you are about to move into rented accomodation, you should be aware of new laws that will protect the deposit you pay to your landlord.
Find out about the launch of Tenancy Deposit Protection
Read about the start of Alan's campaign on tenancy deposit protection
Energy meter rip-off
Over 150 MPs have signed Alan Whitehead's EDM calling on energy companies to end unfair pricing practices which result in the poorest customers paying more for their energy.
Campaign to build more social homes
Dr Whitehead is teaming up with Shelter to highlight the need for more social housing in Southampton.
Read about the campaign for more social homes
Join the campaign here: www.shelter.org.uk/wallofshame
Debt on our doorstep
Some doorstep lenders target the most vulnerable people in Southampton and charge extortionate interest in payments owed. Alan Whitehead is campaigning for a cap on the total charge for credit which can legally be offered by doorstep lenders
- Read a report of the Parliamentary debate on doorstep lending
- Read about the campaign to get doorstep lending debated in Parliament
- Listen to Alan's Today interview about doorstep lending (requires Realplayer; interview starts 25 minutes into the segment)
Voter registration in rented accomodation is too low
If you live in rented accomodation, you are less likely to be registered to vote than a home-owner. Alan Whitehead is pressing the Electoral Commission to make sure everyone gets to exercise their rights on polling day.
Other articles on housing policy
- Affordable housing- can we afford it?
- Needed- 30,000 new homes
- Common sense in the big homes debate
- Social housing- time to dismantle the market
