Liberal Democrats call for more affordable family housing

4.42.00pm GMT Wed 5th Nov 2008

Bridget Fox with Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg.

In their policy submission to Islington council's major planning consultation, the Liberal Democrats have called for more affordable family housing in the borough.

The council is consulting on its "Core Strategy", the major planning document that sets out the council's vision for the borough up to 2025. The strategy covers the issues of major importance in the borough - including housing, transport, and the local environment.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the borough to prioritise building large affordable homes for families. The Lib Dems have also asked the council to help create new opportunities for community members who are not at the top of the list for council housing. Options should be provided for residents allowing them to stay in the area while providing affordable private homes.

Bridget Fox, shadow MP for Islington South and Finsbury, said:

"Too many families in Islington have to live in overcrowded conditions, and the priority should be tackling their problems. The Labour party treats housing targets as if it was all about the quantity rather than the quality. Labour has established laws approving of the building of many smaller flats instead of the needed larger homes for local families.

"The Tories have also been preventing councils from replacing homes sold under Right to Buy which means more demand for council homes.

"In contrast to Labour, the Lib Dems believe developers must build the sort of affordable homes that families want and need. These should also be of the highest environmental standards, to save people money on power and heating.

"Liberal Democrat Islington had been successful in its work on building new council homes. The Liberal Democrats are now calling on the Government to allow Islington to change the planning rules in order to drop external targets that do not help local people in need.

"Building larger affordable homes helps neighbourhoods by keeping families together, and giving young people space to study and socialise at home."