Lib Dems call for affordable housing action (South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats <info@secambslibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems call for affordable housing action

March 23, 2008 10:49 AM

Jonathan Chatfield and Julia Goldsworthy

Liberal Democrats are calling for government action to tackle the growing crisis in the supply of affordable homes

Liberal Democrats are calling for government action to tackle the growing crisis in the supply of affordable homes in Cambridgeshire as local councils continue to fail to met demand.

The call was made after Jonathan Chatfield the Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson for South East Cambridgeshire met leading Lib Dem housing campaigner Julia Goldsworthy MP at the party's recent Spring Conference in Liverpool.

The Conference voted to back measures to build 1.3 million new affordable homes over the next ten years in England. The plans aim to greatly reduce the waiting list for social housing which currently stands at over 1.6 million, up nearly 60% since 1997.

Jonathan Chatfield Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson tor South East Cambridgeshire explained:

"Take South Cambridgeshire as an example. Its Housing Needs Survey advised a target for affordable housing of 66% of all new dwellings to meet demand. However, it has adopted a target of 40% - a long way short of what its own survey said is needed.

"And as to social housing for rent, in the 12 months up to last March out of the 806 new homes completed in South Cambridgeshire only 93 were by a registered social landlord.

"With average house prices over £200,000 I know that many people in South East Cambridgeshire have difficulty finding an affordable home.

"Many young people are stuck in the parental home unable to move out. Many young families cannot afford to move to the larger home they need.

"The plans agreed by the Liberal Democrats would help those on council and housing association waiting lists to get the home they need at the price they can afford.

Julia Goldsworthy MP said:

"I was pleased to be able to discuss housing with Jonathan.

"Across the country, the Government has failed to ensure there is enough social and affordable housing available. The Liberal Democrats plans ensure we have enough homes for all."