The EHRC (the Equality and Human Rights Commission) has published a report that shows that the vast majority of people who live in social housing were born in the UK.  Research carried out by the EHRC found that less than 2% of all social housing residents were people who had moved to Britain in the last five years and nine out of ten people who live in social housing were born in the UK.  Overall, the research argues that social housing policies are targeting those most at need, including the homeless, the elderly and families with children.  It found ‘no evidence to support the perception that new migrants were getting priority over UK born residents.’

This seems to be a useful intervention as it provides some facts in the face of propaganda from organisations like the BNP.  However, I had some concerns when listening to the Radio 4 Today programme and an interview carried out with someone from the EHRC. They didn’t seem to know too much about housing allocations and I wasn’t sure that the points they made were well founded.

However, putting that aside, this report being published at this time is good news for the EHRC.  This organisation seems to have done very little since it came into existence over two years ago, and we have learned that as an organisation it has been torn apart with dissention, and poor calibre leadership. We also know that there are a number of internal cases being taken to tribunal.  Here’s hoping that there are better times ahead for the EHRC: its work is potentially very important, particularly in respect of its extensive legal powers.

Tags: EHRC