Support for Affordable Homes

11.15.51pm GMT Sat 12th Feb 2005

A national survey by housing charity Shelter has uncovered widespread support for affordable housing. 85% agreed that more was needed in their area. 87% thought the Government should spend more public money on this, and 90% believed it would be more difficult for the next generation to afford a home.

Last year, the Barker Report showed that the Government's housing programme was inadequate to meet the need, and that the numbers needed to be doubled to address the problem. The shortage was fuelling the rise in house prices, which have increased by 11% in 2004, according to recent figures released by the Land Registry. At this rate, the average house price will exceed £200,000 in 2005.

The Government has made it difficult for local authorities to build more affordable homes, by linking future investment to the transfer of its housing stock. However, the Conservative led Bridgnorth District Council voted to retain its housing, based on a "test of opinion" of a mere 20% of tenants and leaseholders, so will be unable to provide enough affordable housing to meet local needs in the future.

The last Housing Needs Survey in the Bridgnorth District was done in 2001, and a new one is planned for 2006. In the meanwhile the Council is limited in what it can do, other than hoping that private developers can fulfil some of the shortfall on larger sites. In South Shropshire, the LibDem led District Council has taken a lead in the provision of affordable housing, and has been praised for its achievements, despite opposition from some Conservative councillors!