BMENational has called on all political parties to make key commitments to support black and minority ethnic (BME) housing organisations that work in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the country.

BME housing associations have played a huge role in society, pushing issues of race and equality into the mainstream and changing the housing landscape. 

Chair of BMENational, Cym D’Souza said, ‘BMENational is committed to delivering homes and services to BME communities, but we need the support of political parties addressing housing inequality.

"We have identified four areas where Government action is urgently needed – ageing well, ending homelessness, equality of opportunity and thriving and diverse cities.

"We call upon all parties to commit to support our aims and help us work together in addressing the challenges faced in our communities."

BMENational is calling on all political parties to make the following commitments to support communities:

Creating an environment where older BME people can live healthy and fulfilled lives.

Income inequality puts older BME people in a vulnerable position. They are less likely to have savings, less likely to inherit from earlier generations and less likely to have occupational pensions to support their retirement.

Ensuring people from BME backgrounds can access and sustain housing. 

A call to help people into employment. Discrimination, unconscious bias and exclusion have held back the potential of BME communities for too long.

Investing in inner city areas to facilitate social cohesion and create vibrant places to live in. There are stark divisions in prosperity and opportunity in many inner cities across the country, often where BME communities are more likely to live.

BMENational is a collective of over 45 housing associations working in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the country to find out more click here.