Where is the affordable housing in Lewes?

At a time when other parties are more concerned with plastic bags and allowing turbines to be built, the Labour Party here in Lewes has been quietly bringing forward the idea of basic needs, fthe most immediate example being a roof over your head.

Prices have rocketed in Lewes in the last 15 years. A house that cost £ 59, 000 in 1991 is now worth near £300,000. The children of local residents are finding it harder to get a house or flat in Lewes, keyworkers like nurses also have difficulty.

Labour is asking why are there not MORE affordable houses built. Housing and development is a growth industry in the area, where is the encouragement from our local councils to ensure housing is available for everyone.

The Labour Government is providing more money for affordable housing, and it has been a commitment for Gordon Browns new administration.

A recent National Housing Federation report shows “that continuing house price rises and the resulting housing crisis are set to stay with us for a long time,” (NHF chief executive David Orr.)

And while homeowners may view the surge in prices as good news, David Orr did warn they carried a “sting in the tail”.,

“A growing number of parents will find themselves subsidising their sons’ and daughters’ mortgages,” he said.

“And, across the country, more and more people are going to find themselves priced out of the property market – and struggling to find a decent home.”

In order to tackle the problem the government must press ahead as soon as possible with its plans to build more homes – and make sure an additional 70,000 social homes are built each year. (Source BBC News and the National Housing Federation)

What is our council doing say local campaigners Sam Hasan and Jonathan Spencer, this is a serious issue for everyone.