13 May 2022
Levelling up and housing - Thought for the Day, 13 May 2022, The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani
Levelling up and housing
Bishop Guli's Thought for the Day contribution, BBC Radio 4, Friday 13 May 2022
A couple of weeks ago in a small factory outside Gloucester an innovative project was launched constructing what are called ‘eco-pods’. These are highly energy efficient homes made from recycled materials including steel, crushed milk cartons and natural cork waste. Prisoners on day release are working in the factory and one of them said: I’ve definitely learned new skills and gained confidence. I’m confident that when I come out after this sentence I will make a success of my life.
These eco-pods will provide homes for prison leavers and the Bishop of Gloucester, who’s the Church of England’s bishop for prisons has announced that the Diocese of Gloucester will be buying the first 6 pods. Across the Diocese of Chelmsford which I serve we’re exploring our own church sites for developing truly affordable homes for those who need them most.
All this at a time when the Government, both in the recent Queen’s Speech and in the new Levelling up and Regeneration Bill, is outlining its intention both to build more houses and to improve the regulation around social housing.”
Everyone on all sides of the debate agrees that there is a housing crisis – not enough houses and not enough truly affordable homes. Coming Home, the report of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Housing published last year concluded that the housing crisis is “neither accidental nor inevitable”. But to solve it, everyone has to play their part: not only central and local government, developers, landowners and landlords but each one of us, by considering the common good above our personal advantage.
Jesus told a parable about a man on a journey who was attacked by a gang of thieves and left for dead beside the road. First a priest and then a Levite, a teacher of ethics, came across him but failed to stop, perhaps out of fear or simply because it was inconvenient. Finally, a Samaritan, someone from a disadvantaged minority, passed by who interrupted his journey to help the wounded man. He spent his own money and time to ensure the man received the help he needed to regain his health and strength. It was inconvenient and costly but it was the right and the humane thing to do.
For the ambitions of the levelling up agenda to succeed in the long term, the reasons for pursuing it must be rooted in compassion and justice. Addressing housing needs won’t always be politically convenient, popular or cost effective but it will make for a more humane society and it will be better for the soul of our country.
Ends
