Farron - Damning housing report makes the case for homes

According to a report from the National Housing Federation (NHF) the South Lakes is the second hardest place to get on the property ladder in the North West. Tim Farron MP has called on the Government to create a county wide affordable housing strategy.

The NHF says the asking price for even the cheapest homes will cost first-time buyers more than 11 times their average income.

In Cumbria we need to build 437 social homes every year to meet demand, we only build 90. This leaves a shortfall of 347 homes per annum.

The National Housing Federation is calling on the new Government to invest in building new homes, including much needed affordable homes for low rent and shared ownership. It highlights that 8,100 new affordable homes are needed each year in the North West but that just 2,910 were built.

Tim said: "This latest report from the National Housing Federation has helped again put on paper what we sadly already knew. There is a chronic need for housing in our county. I want all of Cumbria's MPs to now come together and push for a coordinated government strategy. We need to work tirelessly to put a roof over every family's head.

"But we need the right kind of housing - social housing, truly affordable housing and social rented properties. I will continue to do all I can to push the Government and others to do more for local families and I will continue to champion the need for truly affordable homes in areas with the support of local communities. Much has been done but as this report shows there is much, much more left to do."