Only 32% of workers said they were able to keep up with their rent payments without difficulty, the poll by YouGov for Shelter shows, with 40% sometimes struggling and 23% constantly struggling. Three per cent of workers say they are falling behind on their payments, in line with recent government figures that show 5% are or have previously been in arrears.
Businesses, unions and charities are trying to persuade the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to commit billions of pounds to social housing in next year's spending review, arguing that building more low-cost rented housing would help alleviate the demand pressures in the private sector.
Twenty-three directors, chief executives and general executives have signed a letter asking Reeves to spend enough to build 90,000 new social rented homes each year this parliament, at a cost of up to £11.5bn.
They include Peter Jelkeby, the chief executive of Ikea UK; Polly Neate, the chief executive of Shelter; and Sharon Graham, the general secretary of the Unite union.
This story is from the December 27, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the December 27, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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