NEARLY 1,000 households are on the housing waiting list at Warrington – as new Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces plans to build 1.5 million homes nationwide over the next five years.
At the same time, 822 people are living in insanitary, overcrowded or otherwise unsatisfactory housing conditions in the borough – and 33 people need to move for medical welfare reasons.
But Warrington fares rather better than most neighbouring boroughs according to analysis by Mobile Annexe Ltd, specialists in building “granny flats” and garden lodges which do not require planning permission.
Figures for Warrington and neighbouring authorities are:
Households on the waiting list
Warrington: 997; Wigan: 4,309; Salford: 3,596; Halton: 2,636; St Helens: 1,745; Cheshire West and Chester: 1,173; Cheshire East: 1,100.
People living in insanitary, overcrowded conditions.
Warrington 822; Wigan: 2,218; Salford: 1,318; Halton: 532; St Helens: 885; Cheshire West and Chester: 304; Cheshire East: 424.
People needing to move for medical welfare reasons.
Warrington: 33; Wigan 1,575; Salford: 379; Halton: 702; St Helens: 509; Cheshire West and Chester: 471; Cheshire East: 398.
Across the North West as a whole, nearly 2,000 households are on the waiting list and nationally the figure is more than a million.
Gary Clayden-Smith from Mobile Annexe Ltd. who analysed the data, said: “It’s promising to hear the commitment by the new government amidst the shocking figures.
“The fact that over one million households in England are on the waiting list is absolutely heartbreaking.
“When you see how many are in overcrowded or insanitary conditions, or need to move on medical or welfare grounds, it really is upsetting.
“The impact this will be having on people’s physical and mental health is really concerning, and I really do hope that this promise by the new government is acted on.”
