MP for Torbay Adrian Sanders yesterday attended the launch of the National Housing Federation’s verdict on housing in the South West. Among the figures released was the startling fact that Torbay has seen the highest rise in waiting lists for housing in the whole of the South West.
In the last 5 years the waiting list has increased 297.3% with over 5,000 families looking for new homes.
The report also highlighted how the whole region suffers from very high house prices compared to local average incomes; the average home costing £222,704 with the average wage being £19,016. Again the deprivation facing Torbay was highlighted by the low average income of £15,668.
Adrian is supporting a number of proposals made by the NHF including the end of pre-payment rip-offs by energy companies, investment in new council houses and reforms to the way social homes are allocated.
Adrian commented on the report: “Everyone is well aware of the housing problems Torbay faces but we need a sensible solution that not only consults but listens to local people and changes direction according to their wishes.”
“There is enough brownfield in Torbay for 10,000 new homes so we do not need to indulge the Government or Council’s idea that Greenfield must be plundered. We need affordable family homes and homes suitable for the ageing population. These need to be planned with appropriate infrastructure and simply must take account of Torbay’s historic environment.”
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