New figures have illuminated a worrying trend in Mendip, where the availability of new social housing lets has diminished by more than a tenth in the last decade.

This decline contributes to an ever-worsening housing crisis in the area, drawing criticism and concern from housing charities and think tanks alike.

The homelessness and housing charity, Crisis, has condemned this downward trend as a result of "political negligence," urging the government to confront the severe shortage of affordable housing.

Matt Downie, chief executive at Crisis, said: "How many more shameful records must we hit for the Westminster Government to take the urgent action needed to tackle the chronic rise in homelessness and a sheer lack of housing?" He added: "This political negligence cannot continue. If we're going to address the mounting waiting lists for council housing and the record numbers trapped in hostels and B&Bs, then the Westminster Government must build more social housing. We have the means to fix this but only if we take the decisive action needed."

Luke Murphy, associate director at the Institute for Public Policy Research, supported these concerns, pointing to the "desperate need to build more homes," especially those available for social rent.

He called for significant investment and reforms in the planning system and the "dysfunctional land market" to properly address the housing crisis.

In response to these challenges, Housing Minister Michael Gove has proposed a "British homes for British workers" policy, intending to tighten eligibility for social housing. This policy would require individuals to demonstrate a ten-year connection to the UK and a two-year link to the local area where they seek social housing.

Moreover, the government is contemplating legislation that would bar high-income earners from obtaining social housing, though the specific income threshold for this restriction has yet to be determined.

Despite a slight improvement in Mendip, with 504 new social housing lets provided in 2022-23, up from 485 the previous year, the overall decrease of 12% over the last decade mirrors a national reduction in social housing provisions.

Additionally, the quantity of new social rents across England – the most affordable housing option – has drastically declined over the last decade. It saw a 7% reduction to 209,000 in 2022-23 and now stands 40% lower than ten years ago. However, Mendip has experienced a 20% increase in such provisions during the same period, with 404 provided last year.

A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities stated: "We've delivered over 696,000 affordable homes since 2010, including 172,000 for social rent, and last year saw the highest levels of housing delivery on record with a 17% increase in starts to the previous year. However, we know we need to build more affordable homes, which is why we're investing £11.5 billion to deliver more of the affordable, quality homes this country needs."