Households in Bracknell Forest could have to wait years before they’ll be able to live in an affordable social home, even if no new households joined the waiting list, according to new analysis of the latest affordable housing figures. 

Analysis by the National Housing Federation (NHF) found that while 1,869 households were on Bracknell Forest Council’s waiting list for social housing, only 322 new social housing lettings were available last year 2023.

Abri’s Regional Managing Director for the south east Dasos Christou said: “At Abri, we believe everyone has the right to a safe, warm and affordable home. We’re passionate about building the many more affordable homes our community needs, but we can’t do that alone.

"We’re calling on the next government to commit to a long-term plan for housing so that we can work with our local authority partners, like Bracknell Forest Council, to build the homes our communities urgently need.” 

Social housing lettings refer to homes which have been let at either social rent, which is typically 50% of market rents, or Affordable Rent, which is at least 20% below market rents – making them the only affordable option for many.

Across the country, the chronic shortage of genuinely affordable social homes has left many families stuck in unaffordable, unsuitable accommodation.

Abri is joining the NHF’s call for political parties to commit to a long-term national plan to solve the housing crisis to support the hundreds of households in Bracknell in desperate need of a safe, suitable and affordable home.