Lib Dems Slam High Peak Housing Failure

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 30th Nov 2007

Paul Holmes MP and Steve Sharp are dismayed at the Government's lack of affordable housing provision

Lib Dem Parliamentary Housing spokesman Paul Holmes MP has described the provision of affordable housing in High Peak as 'a total disgrace' during a visit to the borough.

After a tour of High Peak to look at affordable housing problems, Mr Holmes said that some of the most disadvantaged in the borough had been let down by the council's Tory administration. He said the planned building of just 73 affordable homes in Buxton, 94 for Glossop, 16 for New Mills, 6 for Whaley Bridge and none for Chapel over the next 4 years was unacceptable.

Condemning the poor provision of both housing association property for rent and shared-ownership schemes, he said: 'This is a total disgrace. Waiting lists are growing, more families are in temporary accommodation and first time buyers just can't get a foot on the property ladder. High Peak Council's proposals are frankly pathetic.'

His criticisms were echoed by the Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, businessman Steve Sharp: 'Planning just 189 affordable properties for the entire borough over the next four years is appalling. Ordinary working people on average or below-average wages can no longer afford to live in High Peak.'

'This shows a cynical disregard for the borough's voters. Worse still, our Labour MP Tom Levitt is keeping very quiet as he knows this fits nicely with the Government's housing policy.'

Steve Sharp said the Lib Dems would continue to put pressure on High Peak Council to make proper provision for affordable homes. 'We are facing a real crisis because the Government won't even allow councils to use money from the sale of council houses to build more affordable homes for rent.'

He added: 'And at a time when we desperately need to reduce energy consumption, the Government has no plans to make our present homes more energy efficient.'