The Archbishop of Canterbury has said a series of housing problems in England are “destroying the lives and futures of millions” and insisting there is a “moral responsibility” to change.

Justin Welby has called for an end to “short-termism” in housing policy as a new report advocating for decent homes across England is launched in the House of Lords today.

The Homes for All report presents a new vision for England’s housing system, encouraging long-term thinking and implementation.

The report said the phrase “England is facing a housing crisis” has “lost its power to shock” due to its overuse.

It calls on the government to legislate for an independent body on housing – like the Climate Change Committee, which advises on emissions targets and reports to Parliament on any progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The report says the housing body will investigate and provide the technical expertise needed to transform housing and housing policy in England.

Backing the proposal for a national housing body, Mr Welby said: “Everyone should have a home that is comfortable and safe, and in a thriving community where they can thrive.

“But for many people in England, home means something very different. It is a place that is often expensive or temporary, unsafe or unhealthy.

“These problems are ruining the lives and futures of millions of people and we all have a moral responsibility to fix them.

“We must end the short-termism that is having a devastating impact on our society and our economy.”

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A ‘systemic response’ is needed

The report said there is a lack of a “collective national vision” on housing policy in England, adding that “politicians and the public have no shared understanding of what good looks look like”.

“Far too many interventions have been designed to achieve a short-term headline or deal with a very specific issue, while failing to understand how they will impact on the rest of the housing system.

“Our report emphasizes that housing is a system, not an isolated issue. We need a systemic response, long-term thinking and implementation.”

The report claims that as well as providing expertise and scrutinizing government proposals, the Housing Strategy Committee will deliver “regular independent assessment of progress towards achieving a shared vision”.

It details 25 key outcomes for England’s households, the housing market, the housing system and housing policy.

Some points include:

• People should live in homes with higher minimum standards
• There must be truly affordable housing options available
• Housing must “complement other vital systems” such as health care, social care, finance and social security
• Elements of the housing system (rental sector/building/social housing) “must work together”

The report said it would take until 2050 to bring about the necessary “systemic” changes, but those behind it said the work should start now.

Immediate priorities for the next Parliament will be to provide at least 300,000 new homes a year, ensure that a maximum of 50,000 families are in temporary accommodation at any one time, and improve housing affordability and quality standards by the end of the Parliament.

The report is supported by the homelessness charity Crisis and several other housing associations.