Dire consequences of Tory Housing and Planning Bill

Q. Since when has a £250,000 house purchase in Wyre Forest been deemed “affordable” in Wyre Forest for residents seeking to set up house for the first time?
A. Since the publication of the Conservative government’s Housing and Planning Bill.

Q. How many of the new households in Wyre Forest, (903 annually), can actually afford to buy a house at this price?
A. Few.  In fact, half can’t afford to buy a £125,000 property.

Q. What will the consequence of the Bill’s policies be on the tenure of houses built?
A. More for private purchase, less for rent from housing associations; more households in unsuitable homes.

Q. What does the Conservative-controlled district council propose to do about the Bill’s damaging effect for the majority of new households in Wyre Forest?
A. Nothing.  As stated at Council in December, it supports the principle of the Bill; greater provision for the few, disregard of the needs of the majority.

Jamie Shaw  – Labour District Councillor – Areley Kings and Riverside WFDC