Tories Reject Proposal to Increase Affordable Housing (Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk>

Tories Reject Proposal to Increase Affordable Housing

August 3, 2007 8:26 AM

Uttlesford's Conservative Council has opposed plans for more lower cost housing in the district.

At Tuesday night's (July 31st) Full Council Meeting, the Conservative Administration voted down proposals by the Liberal Democrat Group designed to reinvigorate the creation of affordable housing in the District. These proposals were intended to increase the rate at which affordable houses would be provided to local people, particular the younger generation who are being forced to move out of the District.

First, they ignored a specific proposal, requested by the Council's own Strategic Housing Officers, to apply for the extra funding currently available from Government to expand the Council's own Housing Stock. Secondly, they refused to support a motion, which required developers to increase the provision of affordable housing on new plots from 40 to 50%. Instead, they emotionally distorted a proposal to charge developers 50% of the costs of commercial housing on a single plot as a tax on individuals.

Instead, The Conservatives produced an Amendment that reaffirmed present Council policy, which is failing to make inroads into affordable Housing need in the District.

Cllr David Morson, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Community Issues stated, " The Conservative Group had no positive alternative proposals to increase affordable housing provision. Their comments on the Motion were complacent rhetoric. Meanwhile, the demand for local affordable housing, especially among our young people is growing. The status quo "nothing extra is needed" approach by the Conservatives will not provide a solution."

Cllr Peter Wilcock, Liberal Democrat Leader added " We quoted the desperate need for affordable housing which can be achieved by other councils, and that affordable houses can be built for as little as £70,000 that can also be well designed and have a sustainable carbon footprint, like the houses in Dorset. The Conservatives failed to take the initiative by engaging in meaningful debate. The losers will be the people of Uttlesford."