Torbay MP Adrian Sanders is sponsoring proposed legislation that would boost funding for social homes.
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Amendment) Bill, which is being promoted by fellow Lib Dem Simon Hughes MP, will write into law a provision to allow councils to use money they receive from developers to build or improve social housing.
At present councils are restricted to using the money to fund infrastructure projects of community projects-even where infrastructure is already of a high standard. This restriction has led to some cases where money has been used to finance projects of marginal importance-such as in Tower Hamlets where money was spent on chiropody sessions for local residents.
Across England there is a social housing crisis with too few homes and many of them in a state of disrepair.
The Bill will allow councils to use existing and future streams of income from developers to carry out urgent renovations to local housing stock or to build new homes.
Speaking after the Bill was debated on January 29th, Adrian said: “There are thousands of people waiting for decent social homes in Torbay. Poor housing leads to a range of problems from poor health to anti social behaviour.”
“New developments often cause disruption and grief for existing local residents who can’t understand why they often get no help to improve their own housing or to see more new affordable homes built in the local community. This new law would change this.”
“If the Bill becomes law everyone is a winner. This Bill will help councils to fund urgent improvements to local housing, and help individuals and families who are waiting for a home or improvement of their home to have the decent housing they need.”
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