South West affordable housing supply to be debated in Parliament
Somerton & Frome MP secures Parliamentary debate on affordable housing supply in the South West.
A debate will be held in Parliament on the supply of affordable, good quality housing in South West England on Tuesday 7 September 2021.
The debate was requested by Somerton & Frome MP David Warburton, following a meeting with Homes for the South West, a coalition of 11 of the largest registered providers of social housing in the region.
Representatives of the group have been discussing how to increase the supply of affordable homes in the region with South West MPs since the launch of their manifesto in May this year. The document, called ‘Building for the Future: Levelling up the South West’s economy with quality, affordable & sustainable housing’ gained cross-party support from a number of elected representatives in the region.
Homes for the South West Chair and Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We want to thank David for securing the debate – this is a really important moment for the South West as our region’s housing supply and affordability issues will be put in front of government ministers. Thanks also to all MPs who are supporting our manifesto and the work we do to deliver more homes for local people.
“Our members are committed to building 25,000 new homes over the next five years, but we can do so much more with support from government. 27% of the country’s second homes are now located in the South West, and building more homes here will not only help to tackle the housing crisis in our region, but also drive investment in the local economy, new jobs and skills.”
David Warburton MP comments: “The South West is a wonderful place to live and work, but it is becoming increasingly unaffordable for local people to own or rent a home. Many are being priced out of areas where they’ve lived for their entire lives.
“We need more sustainable, affordable and social homes and now is the time for action. Investing in affordable housing supply will help our region’s economy recover after the Covid-19 pandemic and create more opportunities for local people.”
The Parliamentary debate on affordable housing supply in the South West will take place in Westminster Hall. It is scheduled for Tuesday 7 September at 4pm and can be watched on Parliament TV (www.parliamentlive.tv/Commons).
