PRIVATE rents are spiraling in Thurrock and we need to cap them to help tackle our housing crisis, according to Labour’s candidate to be Thurrock’s next MP, Polly Billington.
Government figures show the average monthly rent for private rent in the constituency has risen by over 9% in three years – far above inflation and wages.
“Owning your own home is becoming a fantasy for many young people in Thurrock. That’s partly because rising rents and the cost of living crisis mean no matter how hard they work or save owning a home is out of their reach”, says Labour candidate Polly Billington.
A report commissioned by housing charity Shelter shows that the average young couple with children in Thurrock face 12.8 years of saving before they can afford their first home. This assumes they save pretty much all of their disposable income after paying rent and childcare costs.
Research for the housing charity looked at average wages, house prices, rents and spending on essentials to show the challenge faced by those trying to save for a home of their own in Essex.
Polly said, “Rent increases over this parliament mean on average people are paying an extra £780 a year. This alone makes it hard for struggling families in Thurrock, not to mention the increasing cost of childcare and train fares.
Labour will guarantee longer term tenancies with predictable rents and ban rip-off letting agents fees so private renters get a fairer deal. We will address the cost of living so people can start saving and build more affordable housing for them to move into. Neither the Tories or UKIP will deliver this.”
