Categories
Uncategorized

In praise of PricedOut

PricedOut are a campaigning group who represent those unable to buy their own homes because of high house prices. I increasingly think they are a very good thing.
They argue for a more sustainable housing market, with lower prices and less volatility. They fight for better standards in the private rented sector for those no longer able to buy their own home. They also do a good job of highlighting the generational inequalities in the housing market, with most young (and even not so young people) locked out of a stable home long after their parents’ generation would have bought a place of their own.
As they say themselves:
We actively campaign the Government to increase housing affordability by:

  • Increasing taxation on buy-to-let and multiple home ownership;
  • Building more homes;
  • Improving tenants’ rights;
  • Improving the sustainability of the housing market, preventing a further boom in house prices.

In campaigning terms, they punch well above their weight, for a small, volunteer run organisation. They find themselves frequently in the national press making  a compelling case for unpopular reforms and arguing against accepted ‘wisdoms’.
 Now to be fair, they have somewhat of a market advantage over say Shelter or Crisis. Advocating the plight of a vulnerable minority is a tougher sell, than the mainstream ’cause’ of homeownership for young working people.
But to their credit, they do more than just argue for the narrow interests of the people they represent. They argue a broader case for a better housing system – such as better rights for private renters and lower prices. And they stick their head above the parapet to broach unpopular issues, such as taxation.
Join up, visit their website http://www.pricedout.org.uk/ and start following them on twitter @pricedoutuk