Farron Attacks Tory Housing Plans

Tim Farron MP has today criticised Conservative proposals to sell off social housing which could see thousands of families across Cumbria lose the opportunity to get a roof over their head.

Hundreds of properties in Cumbria could be sold off under government plans to reduce the number of council homes.

Liberal Democrats have criticised the move as "irresponsible" and said it would ramp up demand for housing and increase rents.

It comes despite figures from homeless charity Shelter which show there are 15,193 families on the housing waiting list in Cumbria.

The Housing and Planning Bill - debated in the House of Commons on Monday - includes plans to force councils to sell low rent homes in high value areas, as the Conservative Party rolls out its Right to Buy scheme.

Tim Farron MP said: "Cumbria faces a housing crisis, where people cannot afford to get a house in the place they grew up in and work in. Access to decent housing is a basic right, and that's why I'm speaking out against this bill today.

"The government should be doing more to promote social housing and affordable homes, but instead the Tories are pushing ahead with these irresponsible plans which will reduce the number of low rent, social homes in the places they are needed most.

"Once they are sold off to the private market, they are lost as affordable homes forever. It means more families on low to middle incomes will struggle to get a decent home.

"The Liberal Democrats are committed to defending social housing. As a party we are making the case that the government should not be forcing the hand of local councils to sell off much needed housing which will hurt Cumbria."