Councils need more powers to tackle housing shortage, say Liberal Democrats

3.30.24pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 4th Dec 2006

More homes to accommodate families are desperately needed

Commenting on reforms to planning guidance announced today, to increase the number of family homes and cut carbon emissions from new homes Liberal Democrat Shadow Housing Spokesperson Cllr Sally Beardsworth said:

"The Government may have identified the problem but is devoid of ideas on how to solve our housing crisis. Rather than issuing yet further guidance, local councils should be given more flexibility to solve their community's needs.

"Allowing councils to retain some family-sized homes instead of them becoming flats, or in some instances allowing flat conversions to be restored to family-sized homes, would help the shortage of suitable houses for young families struggling to get on the property ladder.

"Some councils have been leading the way in requiring more energy efficient homes and greater use of renewable energy on new developments. They should be allowed to get on with delivering reductions in carbon emissions now and not have to wait for yet more policy pronouncements from the Government."

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