RBH joins rally in support of 'Homes For Britain'

'Homes For Britain' campaigners at the new RBH homes being built at Lower Falinge.

Representatives from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) joined campaigners from housing associations across Greater Manchester in support of the nationwide "Homes For Britain" campaign, which aims to end the housing crisis within a generation.

RBH joined in the campaign as the 'relay to the rally' passed through Rochdale and Middleton on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 March, on the way to Westminster for a national rally on Tuesday 17 March.

RBH employees joined colleagues from St Vincent's Housing and Bolton At Home whose trek through the north-west from Burnley to Congleton took them through Rochdale. The participants took the time to view the new RBH homes under construction at Lower Falinge and a short visit to the Rochdale Pioneers Museum. The relay then continued on to Manchester for a rally addressed by former Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh.

Gareth Swarbrick, RBH Chief Executive, said: "We want to play our part in ensuring that local people here in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton have access to affordable and high-quality housing. We're proud to have joined with friends and colleagues from across the region to highlight these issues. Homes for Britain’s call comes at a time when there is an urgent need to make sure that the quality of housing on offer meets the needs of the population with some areas of the country suffering from an acute housing shortage whilst others are in desperate need of regeneration and jobs. Having the right types of homes in the right places can play a vital role in sparking new life into these communities.”

Homes for Britain - a national alliance of housing providers, professional bodies and charities - is campaigning for the next government to come up with a long-term plan in its first year of office to tackle the housing crisis within a generation.

Across the UK, housing association staff, residents and members of the public are making their way to the Homes for Britain rally. Taking place in the heart of Westminster, thousands of people will come together for the biggest housing rally in a generation.

Katie Teasdale, External Affairs Manager at the National Housing Federation, said: “We are delighted housing associations across the North West are backing Homes for Britain. By taking the housing crisis to the heart of Westminster, these housing associations are highlighting the need to end the housing crisis within a generation. The next government needs to commit to a long-term plan – one that sets out how everyone can have access to the home they need at a price they can afford. We want people from all walks of life to add their voice, so get involved - write to local politicians, tell your friends and family, and tweet us using #HomesForBritain.”

Charlie Norman, chief executive at St Vincent’s Housing Association, said: “We are all proud to be taking part in the North West Relay to the Rally. This is such an important campaign to raise awareness of the housing crisis and ending it for the next generation. I worry about this as a mum of an 18 year old and also seeing what is happening in the housing market - blocking the ambitions and mobility of a whole generation. It is not the fault of individuals if they can't afford to rent or buy a house - it is the symptom of systemic failure. We all deserve to live in decent and affordable housing that is secure - it is a fundamental human right. Let's lobby together to ensure that new homes are built and at the right price, and that we tackle the massive inequalities in the UK right now.”