Labour Councillors and MPs have backed plans to increase the number of affordable homes available in Swindon.  As part of their response to government plans for development in the South West Labour politicians have spoken out about the need for increased affordable housing in Swindon.  Conservative Councillors in Swindon have attacked the proposals and have called on the government to reduce the requirement for affordable homes in the region.

Labour leader in Swindon, Cllr. Kevin Small said:

“Labour had a commitment at the last local elections to fight for 40% of all homes built to be affordable.  Swindon needs more affordable homes, the length of the council house waiting list shows that, so I am disappointed that the Conservatives are opposed to these proposals.  We have a responsibility to deliver good quality, good value housing to the hard working people of Swindon, and that’s what Labour Councillors and MPs will continue to fight for.”

Michael Wills MP for North Swindon said:

“In a time of economic hardship, when the council’s housing waiting list stands at over 8,000 people, it is disappointing that the council would choose to reduce the requirements for affordable housing in Swindon. For years I have been pressing the council to invest in affordable housing and increase its targets to help vulnerable people in Swindon but they have ignored me. Now, despite the fact that they promised to deliver affordable housing for the town, they are calling on the government to reduce requirements for affordable housing. I hope they will think again about this and provide affordable homes for people who need them now.”

Anne Snelgrove MP for South Swindon said,

"I want more affordable housing to help the thousands on the waiting list in Swindon",

"Building extra luxury houses at a time when the economy is facing hard times shows Swindon Council’s tendency to be out of tune with what’s going on in the real world."  

Labour Councillors and MPs have made their comments on affordable housing in their submission to the Regional Spatial Strategy, which will set out a vision for the South West’s future development.  The Conservatives approved their submission to this document at a meeting on Wednesday evening.  They are lobbying for just 30% of developments to be made up of affordable homes.

ENDS

Notes:

Information on the draft Regional Spatial Strategy can be found at  http://www.southwest-ra.gov.uk/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=538

The full text of Labour’s response to the Secretary of State’s proposed changes to the RSS can be obtained from the Labour Group Office