The BNP make much of the housing crisis (it was the basis of the leaflet they attempted to distribute in Bedminster last week) but, as ever, look for scapegoats that fit their racist outlook rather than address the real issues. Bristol Antifa prefer to deal in facts. To this end, we've produced an information poster (PDF) that challenges common misconceptions about housing and immigration. All of the information was provided by an independent housing expert and can be easily verified. The poster also briefly examines the true nature of the housing crisis and offers up a genuine solution that would benefit all working class people. It would be great if you would download the poster, copy it and put it in convenient locations around your neighbourhoods.
Full text from the poster:
Do immigrants and asylum seekers get housed first?
Immigrants or asylum seekers from outside Europe are specifically excluded from any 'recourse to public funds' and this includes housing and benefits. Only asylum seekers who have been accepted as genuinely fleeing violence or torture may be given indefinite leave to remain in the UK. They can then work or apply for housing if they are eligible. The same rules apply to them as apply to anyone else. Don’t believe the racist lies of the BNP and tabloids.
Have asylum seekers got all the housing?
It’s important to look at the facts, not the hype. Across the country, asylum seekers granted indefinite leave occupy less than 2% of council and housing association properties. The main reasons for getting housed by the council are relationship breakdown and parental eviction, not immigration, and the biggest share of social housing goes to elderly people.
So why was my friend turned away by the council?
There simply isn't enough social housing to go around. Successive governments have left it to the private landlords to provide more houses but this just hasn't happened. As always, the system we are ruled by prioritises profit over the needs of real people, whatever our colour or race. If we want people to have access to decent housing, then more social housing has to be created.
Where have all the council houses gone?
The policy of 'right to buy' has led to the sale of millions of council houses. The houses are far cheaper than if bought in the open market, were often heavily discounted further to encourage people to buy them, and are a total bargain. However, councils are not allowed to build new houses with the money from the sales, and housing associations have built very few. This has meant that total social housing has reduced from 35% of housing stock in 1965 to about 21% today.
Why is renting so expensive?
Councils and housing associations charge what it costs to provide housing, about £250 a month for a flat. Private landlords, who as well as getting their mortgage paid are also making a profit, usually charge at least £500 a month. Modern built social housing is built to better standards than private housing. Private renting is basically a rip off! This is an insult to all of us simply trying to get by. Such greed is a genuine threat to our lives, unlike living with people of other races who are also just trying to get by.
Don’t be divided and ruled –
ZERO TOLERANCE OF FASCISTS ON THESE STREETS!
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