Poll highlighting stigma towards social housing reveals deep-seated issues for delivery of future homes

A recent poll of 507 adults commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) in partnership with Professor Roger Awan-Scully of Cardiff University has revealed that stigma around social housing remains a persistent theme in Northern Ireland. However, people continue to see social housing as the most affordable option for renting and they want more affordable housing in their communities.

The results have found that social housing continues to have a degree of ‘image problem’ among many people in Northern Ireland. As is common practice in social surveys, the poll carried out by Deltapoll asked for respondents to indicate their level of agreement with quite pointed statements on social housing, including:

• I would never want to live in social housing – 44 per cent agreed, 32 per cent disagreed
• social housing estates suffer from high levels of anti-social behaviour and crime – 56 per cent agreed, 13 per cent disagreed
• social housing is where we hide people with problems – 37 per cent agreed, 35 per cent disagreed.

However, the need for affordable housing in communities throughout Northern Ireland was significantly recognised, as well as awareness that social housing can provide such affordability. Results included:

• social housing offers rents which are lower than rents in the private sector – 69 per cent agreed, nine per cent disagreed
• we need more affordable housing in my local community – 72 per cent agreed, five per cent disagreed
• social housing should be a tenure of choice for families and young people – 52 per cent agreed, seven per cent disagreed.

The poll also shows evidence of nimbyism, with some respondents recognising the need for social housing, but not wanting it to be built near them.

Commentating on the findings, CIH Northern Ireland director Justin Cartwright said

It is welcome that people see the need for more affordable housing. Social housing offers people a safe and affordable home, and co-ownership helps people into home ownership. We support the move to introduce new affordable options in Northern Ireland as well, such as mid-market rent. Negative perceptions of social housing and nimbyism stand to impede the progress of building much needed social homes. Waiting lists are soaring while Covid-19 cases prevail amongst poor and overcrowded properties. It is vital that stigma is removed as a barrier to new homes. Social housing must be placed at the heart of the coronavirus recovery.