Affordable Homes for Local People
The Liberal Democrats are championing the cause of affordable housing. One
project nearing completion is a scheme for five homes in Horrabridge. There are
also two new developments in Tavistock. Meanwhile in Torridge, Liberal
Democrats are calling for the extra money which will be raised from increasing
Council Tax on second homes to be earmarked for affordable housing.
Wages are low in our area and housing costs are high, whether you are renting
or buying. In fact, the ratio of house prices to earnings is the highest in the
country. If local people cannot afford anywhere to live, families will be
broken up and communities will die.
Nobody pretends this is an easy problem to solve. But local Liberal
Democrats have identified four ways to tackle the issue which will make a real
difference:
1) More small-scale developments of affordable
housing in villages.
2) Work with local Housing Associations to ensure
more reasonably priced houses and flats for rent.
3) Levy maximum Council Tax on second homes - until recently, second home
owners were paying only half the rate.
4) Attract better paid jobs to the area - training
schemes like WestDen’s rural skills course can make a big difference.
“Many local people have told me that housing is their main
worry. I am fighting for a better deal for them.”
For further information see:
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