The true extent of the Island’s housing crisis has been exposed in new figures released by the Isle of Wight council, as the number of households requiring Local Authority funded temporary accommodation increased by over 60 per cent in just two years.
It was reported last year that, since the 2019 general election, more than 80 per cent of privately-rented properties have become unavailable for long-term lets.
Rising rental fees
This shrinking of the rental market has led to rents on the Island increasing by 22 per cent over the same period and left many Island families, whose incomes have not increased at anything close to the same rate, unable to find any affordable accommodation.
Rise of those in temporary accommodation
Figures disclosed in response to a Freedom of Information request, show that in the twelve months to April, 326 households were provided with temporary accommodation by the IW council.
This is on top of those who were already in temporary accommodation prior to April last year and adds up to the IW council facing a bill for this year of £2.9 million – up from £1.7 million in 2021.
Impact on Island children
Perhaps of even greater importance than the £45.07 which this housing shortage is adding to every IW household’s council tax bill, is the impact on Island children.
783 people are currently in temporary accommodation on the Island. 421 of those are children.
The equivalent to 3% of all the children enrolled in IW state schools are currently doing their homework and studying for exams in the same single room in which they sleep along with the rest of their family.
“Can cause lasting harm to kids’ emotional, behavioural and academic development”
A recent study conducted by the homeless charity Shelter, titled The Impact Of Homelessness And Bad Housing On Children’s Education, concluded that,
“Depriving children of space to play, interrupting their education and cutting them off from friendships can cause lasting harm to kids’ emotional, behavioural and academic development. Ultimately, this undermines their life chances.”
Many Island children are having their potential stifled by the Island’s deficiency of affordable rental accommodation – a deficiency which has been exacerbated by a lack of action from national government.
Our thanks to Ieuan Jehu for researching and writing this news article. Ed
