Lib Dems highlight county housing crisis

2.44.45pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 4th Sep 2006

Sally Beardsworth attending the opening of Upton housing development

Sally Beardsworth, Northampton Borough Councillor and shadow housing spokesperson, has welcomed the start of National Homeowners' Month but warned that the government must do more to ensure everyone has access decent housing.

"Whilst the government are taking steps to tackle the lack of affordable homes, there are many other issues they must confront, such as the quality of housing, overcrowding and the lack of affordable rental properties.

"In Northampton alone there are 10,000 people on the waiting list for a council owned property. Meanwhile 358 homes are in the Borough are empty and the council are taking an average of 79 days to make them habitable.

Reflecting on the scale of the problem nationwide, Sally said: "Research by the housing charity Shelter shows that over 1.2 million children are living in poor or overcrowded housing, which has a serious effect on their health and wellbeing."

Andrew Simpson, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Northampton North, reacted to the news saying: "Lack of affordability is also hitting homeowners, with the average house price rising to 6 times the average salary from 3 in the last 10 years. As a result, home repossessions have risen to an all time high.

"There is no doubt more homes are needed but they must be supported by infrastructure such as schools and medical centres and should not compromise the green space we have left."

Andrew Simpson set out Lib Dem proposals to ensure better housing: "Leaseholders and tenants should be given greater rights and control if the quality of their housing is to be improved.

"The Lib Dems would also like to see an extension of shared equity schemes and mutual ownership with housing associations to give more people the opportunity to buy a share in their own homes."

To find out about Lib Dem policy on housing go to: http://www.libdems.org.uk/community/