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Loughborough Councillor Slams Borough For Abandoning Plans For Affordable Homes
Posted on 18/06/2008
Labour councillors in Charnwood will oppose local Tory plans to divert £1.5million from affordable homes to fund a dance studio and fitness centre in Syston. " This is a slap in the face for homeless families and those on the councils waiting list", said Labour’s Cllr Max Hunt (Labour councillor for Loughborough Garendon), adding "When so many people need homes, Tory priorities still lie with the haves, not the have-nots"
“Waiting lists for homes are high. Repossessions are set to climb as the credit crunch bites. People are looking to their local Council, but the Tories are slamming the door”, said Cllr Hunt
The proposal is contained in a revised Capital Plan which the Conservative Cabinet recommends the Council to accept when it meets next Monday. The plan recommends a transfer of resources largely accrued from the sale of land in Loughborough from housing to leisure centre in the south of the Borough.
A Housing Corporation spokesperson said that typically, a Council enabling grant of £1.5 million, matched with a Government subsidy of £500,000, and borrowing by a Housing Association (Registered Social Landlord) would build 30 houses to rent. Alternatively it could finance conversions for those on the waiting list with special needs, or much demanded rural housing for rent. “There are opportunities out there to help Charnwood families desperate for a home – we just need to apply ourselves, but the ruling Conservatives are walking away”, said Cllr Hunt.
Charnwood Deputy Labour Leader, Jill Vincent (Labour councillor for Loughborough Southfields) said: "This is immoral. The £1.5M which we specifically put in the budget is vital to bid for affordable housing. When the buy-to-let market is declining and in a buyers market it is an ideal time for Charnwood to team up with housing associations and buy up empty homes for needy families. There would be no better investment for the people of Charnwood."
On Monday 23rd June, the Labour Group will call on the Council to reinstate the money in the plan and for the Council to work with the Housing Corporation and Housing Associations to see homes built for those in desperate need.
This move comes after Housing Minister, Caroline Flint, criticised/attacked the Conservatives for "opposing house building targets at a national level and blocking affordable housing development at a local level."
Labour Councillors say this smash and grab raid on housing will hit homeless singles and families, key workers like teachers, young families and first time buyers, and others on the waiting list. Labour will be asking Council to find alternative funds for leisure facilities when it reaches Council next week.