Sky News reports their analysis of data released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the 2021 census found that in 150 out of 309 local authorities the population grew faster or at the same pace as the number of homes. Oldham stands out as one of the areas where new homes lag far behind population growth. Oldham’s population has increased by 7.6% in the decade from 2011, while the number of houses has only risen by 3.9% during the same period.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton who leads on housing for Oldham Council said ‘Lack of housing supply can push up prices and make it more difficult for people to buy their first home. This is just one factor underlying Oldham’s housing crisis – increasing numbers of people are approaching the Council for help to get a home and too many people have to live in temporary accommodation while waiting for a decent place to live. Oldham has an ambitious housing programme which we are delivering with the redevelopment of the town centre and across the borough, but we also need help from Homes England to help us build enough homes at a social rent to meet our housing need. Developments underway at Derker and Southlink are a good start but much more is needed.’

At the same time across England there is a very low number of empty homes (excluding second homes). The average is 1% which is significantly lower than, for example, in Germany, where the latest OECD data shows that 8.2% of total homes are vacant, while in Japan it’s 13.6%. The figure for Oldham is 1.1% homes vacant.

The proportion of long-term vacant homes in England has not changed much since 2011 and is below 3% in every local authority. Low levels of vacant homes tend to push up rents and renting conditions can be worse.

Valentine Quinio, senior analyst at the Centre for Cities, says ‘With very few empty homes, landlords have the negotiation power to pull up rents because they know that renters have no other option.’

Councillor Chadderton added ‘We have recently agreed a new Selective Licensing Scheme for private landlords to help drive up standards in the private rented sector. But I am worried about the impact of increasing rents and higher mortgages tracking rising interest rates, on household budgets. We all know about the potentially devastating increase in the energy price cap this October and can already see how much more expensive food is because of inflation. I support The Labour Party’s call to stop the energy price cap rise completely to help people through the winter.’

Oldham Council can help households and families who are struggling. The helpline is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on 0161 770 7007.