A new report reveals that almost half a million people in England over the age of 50 have to pay unaffordable rents.
The research from the National Housing Federation found that 44% of this group in the private rented sector have had to take drastic measures in order to stump up for the cost of their rent each month. This includes cutting down on basics such as heating or food, borrowing from their children, and taking out loans.
Representing housing associations and landlords, the Federation also found that around a quarter of people who’ve moved in the last three years, have had to do so against their will.
In addition to older tenants resorting to severe measure to cover their rent each month, the report also found that up to 33% of older private renters are living below the poverty line after they’ve paid their landlord. Even more troubling is that almost three quarters of this group have a chronic illness or disability, a factor which is not helped by the unsuitable standard of properties in some parts of the private rented sector.
This led to the issue of unsuitable housing for older tenants being raised, with the organisation urging the Government to put more money into the construction of sheltered housing for people who require extra support.
Commenting on the findings of the report was David Orr. The chief executive of the National Housing Federation said: ‘We often hear that young people bear the brunt of the housing crisis but this report reveals a shocking number of hidden baby boomers who are struggling just as much, if not more.
‘There is a huge amount of inequality amongst this age group and unfortunately the wealthier majority have hidden the reality of hundreds of thousands of people who have never been able to afford a house, and are now being failed by the broken housing market.’
