News & Views

Nigel wrote this letter to the Hampshire Chronicle. Published here 26th August 2021

Charity chief exec reacts to Winchester as least affordable place to buy in UK

SIR: Earlier this month Winchester was confirmed as the least affordable place to buy property in the UK.

This announcement reminds us all of the great divide in wealth and opportunity here in Winchester and how difficult it is for many people to get or stay on the property ladder or to rent a home.

The average home in Winchester costs 14 times average earnings. However, the ‘law of averages’ masks a desperate situation for the many Winchester residents whose income is far below average, who are subject to the vagaries of the gig economy or whose jobs have been sustained through furlough.

Recent figures from the New Economics Foundation suggest more than 650,000 jobs will still need the furlough scheme when it is due to end next month. Those employees face possible redundancy and, at Emmaus, we are only too aware how easily a loss of employment can lead to a loss of home.

We are fortunate that Winchester is blessed with organisations dedicated to ensuring people receive support if they cannot afford their housing. At Emmaus, we provide homes and work with training for up to 40 ex-homeless people. This is due in part to the continued generosity and support of local residents and institutions who help us through thick and thin. For that we are most grateful.

Such partnerships are more needed more than ever. Perhaps a truly joined-up initiative will ensure that people facing post-Covid job loss do not end up without a place to live.

Nigel Samuels,

Chief executive,

Emmaus Hampshire,

Bar End Road,

Winchester