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Why it’s time for a new narrative on migrants and housing
Housing associations should step up to the plate in helping fight the negative discourse around migrants and housing, says Geeta Nanda
For too long the prevailing narrative around migrants and housing has been negative and divisive, with blame for the nation’s housing crisis falling squarely on the shoulders of recent arrivals.
For example, Migration Watch UK – the thinktank which campaigns for lower immigration to the country – claims that migrants are not only responsible for the shortage of housing supply but, by increasing demand, have also helped to drive up house prices by some 20% over the past 10 years.
The shortage of housing understandably creates tensions in communities, but when there is a perception that immigration is to blame, social integration becomes difficult, racial conflict increases, and community relations break down.
In truth, immigration is only a small part of an extremely complicated picture. Statistics can be manipulated or taken out of context to support any argument you want to make, but cherry-picking the housing figures in order to demonise immigration is a low blow.
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Those of us on the frontline of the housing sector are much better placed to understand the subtleties of the situation, but are we guilty of failing to challenge this pernicious narrative?
This is important. At a time when Britain is fractured politically, socially and economically, housing associations can play a valuable role in helping to rebuild community cohesion and we can start by setting out some of the facts.
There is no evidence to support the assertion that social housing favours migrants and we should robustly challenge claims such as “immigrants can jump the queue for social housing” (they can’t), that “they get preference” (they don’t), or that “they are taking up all the supply” (when in fact the majority of immigrants arriving here are young single people, which in itself pushes them way down the waiting list and, more often than not, into the private rented sector).
There are many reasons why migrants come here but one thing most of them have in common is that they arrive with hope. Some have left war zones, others are escaping persecution, others are just seeking a better future – but they all come to the UK hoping to find safety, security and dignity.
Finding housing is a vital part of that journey, providing not just the comfort of a home but a fixed address that makes a difference to someone’s employability and their potential to integrate into a community.
“At a time when Britain is fractured politically, socially and economically, housing associations can play a valuable role in helping to rebuild community cohesion and we can start by setting out some of the facts”
Social housing in particular has an important role to play here, as we can offer more affordable homes, more secure tenancies and often better-quality homes than the private rented sector. These can be critical factors in integration and social mobility.
The UK has a proud record of helping vulnerable people and refugees. Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH) was originally set up to house the Windrush generation and we are continuing this work today.
Our Migration Foundation was established 10 years ago and is a £16m fund to help migrants and the communities they live in. We are not alone. I know that many others in the housing sector are also doing important work in this area and collectively we are making a real difference.
I have been thinking about this having attended the Women on the Move Awards this month, a unique annual ceremony that celebrates the inspirational leadership and contribution from migrant and refugee women to UK society.
“It is time to stand up for refugees and migrant communities and celebrate our sector’s shared vision of inclusivity, fairness and equality”
It’s an event that MTVH is proud to support, and I was struck by the powerful and inspiring stories of women who strive to fight injustice and help build their communities here in the UK.
Many of the women involved have personally overcome traumatic events but against the odds they have gone on to lead and inspire other people.
These women came here to improve their own chances in life but in doing so they have helped to change many lives for the better. It is something we should all aspire to in our daily lives in housing associations.
We owe it to them to change the negative narrative around immigration and housing once and for all.
It is time to stand up for refugees and migrant communities and celebrate our sector’s shared vision of inclusivity, fairness and equality.
Geeta Nanda, chief executive, Metropolitan Thames Valley
