SQUALOR (housing)

• In 1946 the New Towns Act was launched. This aimed to end the Giant of Squalor. 14 new towns were built by 1951, creating new homes and communities e.g. East Kilbride, Milton Keynes.
• The New Towns Act moved people out of overcrowded city slums and took them to nicer countryside areas.
• This not only improved their housing but also their standard of living and health. Jobs or facilities such as shops created in the new towns. This meant that although people could live there, they often faced long journeys to travel to work or socialise.
• Government announced plans to build 200,000 new houses each year, with features such as central heating and indoor toilets.
• ANALYSIS (FOR)

  • Pre-fab houses were quickly built and helped reduce overcrowding.
  • Gave a higher standard of living than in other homes.
  • Creation of these houses also created jobs and helped reduce unemployment.
• ANALYSIS (AGAINST)

  • Though many new houses were built, it was less than the 200,000 per year that was promised.
  • 157,000 pre-fab homes were built, however this number would not suffice and the target was never met.
  • Overcrowding continued and there was long waiting lists for houses.