Just when we need more homes the market slumps

There was no prospect of access to affordable housing for him, and living conditions were far from lavish. That was only to be expected. It was, after all, the period of austerity following the Second World War. Some 60 years later though in booming Britain, living conditions for migrants are, if anything, worse. Our report on the realities of migrant housing in Peterborough on page 16 paints a picture of local authorities stretched way beyond their resources, housing workers under severe pressure, and migrants having to live in squalid conditions in HMOs.

Many towns and cities across the country have similar stories to tell. The housing of migrants is an extremely sensitive issue, guaranteed to cause consternation among indigenous communities. What is clearly needed, as the government tells us repeatedly, is more homes. But we are heading into 2008 with forecasts predicting a housing market downturn.

If these prophesies are correct and house prices fall or even just flatten, it is inevitable that housebuilders will be able to sell fewer homes and so will build fewer. Several have said that much already. As housebuilders are now responsible for delivering 60% of affordable homes through Section 106 agreements, their numbers will be reduced too. The buy-to-let market is likely to suffer as landlords get the jitters, and as for the owners of those grubby homes in multiple occupation, they will simply cram in a few more occupants. It is not a pretty picture.

We have to provide more intermediate housing for workers on low incomes

What would help? More resources for the problems that local authorities and agencies are tackling, and better regulation of the private rented sector are obvious first steps. But ultimately, what we have to provide is more intermediate housing that workers on low incomes can afford. That is the only way to satisfy the housing needs both of newcomers and of the existing community.

• This is the last issue of Regenerate for 2007, but we will be back after our winter break on 30 January 2008. In December, however, we will be publishing the results of our Regeneration Awards and a directory of regeneration practitioners together in one bonus special issue. Look out for it.