BAND 8 SAMPLE ANSWER

The table compares the proportion of households in England and Wales that owned their homes with those that rented, over a period of almost 100 years from 1918 to 2011.

Overall, home ownership rose significantly over the period, while renting declined. In 1918 the majority of households rented, but by 2001 ownership had become far more common, before experiencing a slight fall by 2011.

In 1918, only 23% of households owned their accommodation, compared to 77% who rented. The proportion of homeowners increased steadily over the next six decades, reaching 32% in 1953 and 55% in 1981. This upward trend continued, with ownership peaking at 69% in 2001.

By contrast, the percentage of households renting fell over the same period. Starting at 77% in 1918, it dropped to 68% by 1953 and 45% by 1981. The decline continued until 2001, when renting reached its lowest point of 31%. However, between 2001 and 2011 there was a reversal, with ownership falling slightly to 64% and renting rising to 36%.