The cruel policy that left councils unable to house families in London

Stephen Pound says councils had to sell homes but could not use the money to buy new ones.

Published 11 June 2026 114 words
SOCIETY A1
The cruel policy that left councils unable to house families in London

A person named Stephen Pound remembers a sad time in London. Councils had to sell houses for less money than they were worth. They got some money back but could not use it to buy new houses for people.

He saw many children who had to travel far from their homes to go to school. This was because they did not have a home in their town. Stephen Pound thinks this policy was very bad.

He also talks about closing hospitals that cared for people with mental health problems. This meant some people who needed help were on the streets. Stephen Pound says people who supported selling houses should feel ashamed now.

Vocabulary

councils — groups of people who are elected to manage a city or area.
policy — a plan of what to do about something.
proceeds — money that you get from selling something.
housing stock — all the houses owned by a council or company.
ashamed — feeling embarrassed or guilty.

Discussion Questions

  1. What did councils have to do with their houses?
  2. Why did children have to travel far for school?
  3. What does Stephen Pound think about the people who supported selling houses?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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