Council supports Lib Dem approach to housing

Warrington Council has given unanimous support to a new approach to housing put forward by the Liberal Democrats. All Councillors voted in favour of a motion to set up a new Housing Policy Committee at the last meeting of Warrington Council before the local elections.

Proposing the motion, Cllr Bob Barr said: All political parties agree there is a national housing crisis. Warrington is not exempt from that crisis, and it has a very damaging effect on our most vulnerable residents while limiting the life chances of many others. None of the Council’s pledges can be delivered to those who do not have access to an appropriate mould-free, safe and efficient home where they can afford the rent or mortgage, council tax and the costs of heating and maintenance.

Progress has been made on delivering new homes, but these are mainly for those who can afford market prices or a so-called 'affordable' rent set at 80% of market rent. This excludes too many low-income households in need of decent housing.

The number on the social housing list remains persistently high and the pressure on emergency accommodation is overwhelming with many being placed in inappropriate places which can have a serious effect on them. If arrangements break down, the costs to the Council can be high especially if children are involved.

Housing Associations are under pressure to supply enough homes and maintain their existing ones. Councillors are receiving many complaints about repairs and maintenance. Developers push for larger homes where they can make more profit but resist providing homes that are smaller and more affordable.

Many young people have no chance of ever buying their own property, even if their families can help them with deposits and rents which are continually rising. They feel let down and disenfranchised by housing policies which give them no security of tenure and the likelihood of having to stay with their parents until they are in their thirties or forties.

At present there is no single committee that oversees housing issues for the Council. Housing is central to achieving the Council’s pledges so it should be dealt with by a dedicated Policy Committee. This will not solve our housing crisis, but it will provide a level of openness, transparency, and scrutiny that housing policy deserves.

We are asking that the incoming Council, following the May elections, considers setting up a Housing Policy Committee alongside the other Policy Committees which will deal with all housing related matters. We are delighted this proposal received cross-party support.