Martins listens to calls for more homes to rent (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

Martins listens to calls for more homes to rent

April 27, 2007 10:19 PM

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood is a member of the important parliamentary committee that looks at housing policy. The cross-party committee is currently investigating the state of council and other 'social' housing in England.

'It's a sorry picture' said Martin. 'Cheltenham Borough Homes doesn't do a bad job at all most of the time but it's clear the cards are stacked against them and their tenants. The number of homes available to rent has fallen at the same time as the price of houses to buy has risen. The old Conservative policy of Right to Buy was great for individuals but it drained the rented housing market of all the best homes. Now places like Cheltenham have been left with thousands on the housing waiting list, unaffordable house prices and a shortage of good rented housing. Many people who see me in my surgery have faced disappointment after disappointment after disappointment just trying to get somewhere decent to live.'

Martin and other committee members will report later in the year but they are expected to back urgent policy measures to increase the supply of homes to rent.