A win-win housing policy that we can make happen!
We all know we’re in a housing crisis, and we need to build more houses to fix it. Many reforms, while badly needed, won’t happen anytime soon. ‘Street Votes’, however, are different. This policy should help boost supply and the Government, thanks to campaigning from PricedOut and YIMBY Alliance, already supports it! Find out more here.
Street votes would work like this: a group of neighbours get together with a local architect to propose a plan. This is a strict design, a specific set of developments that are allowed, not a carte blanche. A vote is held where only residents get to vote. That means that tenants, not their landlords, would get to vote. If two thirds vote yes then everyone on the street has the permission, but they are under no obligation to do anything with it. There are numerous safeguards that will ensure this cannot be abused but instead delivers the high quality housing we all want to see:
- Rigorous environmental standards will protect the planet
- Landlords will have to pay tenants at least one year’s rent before exercising any permission
- Slope limits will ensure neighbours’ right to light is maintained
- The council will be able to raise money through a development levy which they can use for providing essential local services, including social housing.
We’re close to seeing this become a reality – but we need your help to get it over the line. Will you sign our petition to make Street Votes a reality?