subsidies were paid direct to a management and maintenance housing association or to a co-operative based on each estate; and, if those who could afford to pay, contributed an annual service charge. Each tenant would have the right of sale. Divested of this responsibility - and the ongoing debts - local authorities would have to compete along with private companies for the franchise to maintain the buildings and common areas. This would produce a direct system of accountability and local management. There would still remain a need for sheltered accommodation and specialised housing for vulnerable groups and this would be best provided by housing associations and the private sector. Other groups who are locked out of the housing market, the homeless, for instance, will need an immediate and compassionate response. Although many of the able-bodied homeless might be very suitable candidates for the 'sweat equity' schemes outlined above, let's not pretend that this alone will be enough: more resources are needed too. My family is fortunate enough to live in part of an early Victorian house near Liverpool's Sefton Park. When I moved in, in 1984, large parts of it were dilapidated and in urgent need of restoration. It has given me a great sense of satisfaction - as well as security - to invest time and labour. I was also fortunate enough to have sufficient capital to obtain the equipment, material and tools which I needed - and, from time to time, to buy in expertise. What I want for Britain is a property system which opens the same opportunities to all. Augustine said this of possessions and the same is true of our homes: 'I do not say: "You are damned if you have possessions." You are damned if you take them for granted, if you are puffed up by them, if you think yourself important because of them, if because of them you forget the poor, if you forget your common human status because you have more of what are vanities.' Christians believe in a God who took the form of a tiny embryo and who was born into a family that was temporarily homeless and then became refugees. Maybe that should give them a special appreciation of the security and importance of having a roof over their heads and a home of their own.
Freeing Families
Not everyone will marry or live in families but at some time in most people's lives it is the family which provides love, companionship and security. Where family life breaks down, the community should do all in its power to protect and care for the casualties. I am well aware from the bitter sequels to family breakdowns that