Housing move bids to tackle overcrowding

Overcrowding, poor conditions, and lack of access to suitable housing will be tackled by a new strategy for Oldham’s privately-owned homes.

The high level of cramped 19th century terrace homes, and the fact that over 30 per cent of private houses failed to meet decency standards, are highlighted in the new strategy drawn up by Oldham Council.

Many of the poorer terrace homes are privately rented — making up 66 per cent of private lets in Oldham, compared with 41 per cent in the North-West, and 27 per cent in England as a whole.

In the future, Oldham will have a higher proportion of older people, plus a growing number of under-15s from ethnic minorities — now 27.5 per cent but rising to almost four out of 10 by 2022.

Overcrowding is highest in privately rented homes in urban areas such as Coldhurst (56 per cent), Alexandra (38 per cent), Werneth (36 per cent) and St Mary’s (36 per cent).

There are also pockets of overcrowding in Westwood, Holden Fold, Heyside and Busk.

As well as encouraging people to downsize to release larger properties, and encouraging landlords and agents to improve homes with negotiation and incentives, enforcement action is also being taken to tackle poor standards.

Despite low house prices in parts of Oldham, the report shows that it is virtually impossible for those in the lowest quarter pay band to get on to the housing ladder.

First-time-buyers find it virtually impossible to buy an average-priced home and single first-time-buyers have to move to cheaper areas to buy.

There are also more than 2,200 private homes lying empty in Oldham, but the council aims to bring back at least 150 a year into use. Tomorrow, the council’s Cabinet will be discussing the new Private Sector Housing Strategy for 2009 - 2012.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “Although it’s the responsibility of owners to maintain their own property, there are certain circumstances — such as in the case of the elderly and vulnerable — where it is in the best interests of everyone if the council assists to keep their homes in good repair.

“If approved, this strategy will ensure that what limited resources there are available to support the private housing market, are used effectively — and for those in the greatest of need.”