Farron hosts homelessness policy debate to mark 50th anniversary of 'Cathy Come Home'
On the 50th anniversary of the ground-breaking BBC film Cathy Come Home, South Lakes MP Tim Farron hosted a discussion on homelessness policy in Parliament, with guests including the director of the film Ken Loach. As a young person, the film inspired Tim to get involved in politics.
The gripping and controversial 1966 film tells the story of Cathy and Reg, a couple with three young children who find their life spiralling into poverty when Reg loses his job.
At the event in Parliament last night, Tim chaired a discussion on the future of homelessness policy with representatives from homelessness charities and people who had experienced homelessness themselves, alongside the film's director.
Tim said: "Cathy Come Home had a profound impact on me, as on so many others over the last fifty years, revealing both the desperate situations which people can find themselves in, but also the difference that politics can make to people's lives.
"As an MP, I will always do my utmost to help any constituents who need my help. My motivation to get involved in politics back when I was a teenager was sparked by this film; and the opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives is still what drives me now.
"I'd like to thank everyone who attended the event in Parliament yesterday to discuss homelessness policy on the 50th anniversary of the film. I am incredibly proud that here in South Lakeland we are well on track to build 1000 affordable homes to rent, so that local people have access to decent housing."
PHOTO: Tim with other attendees at the event (L - R): Balbir Chaktri (Centrpoint), Ollie Hilbery (MEAM Coalition), Tim Farron MP, Ken Loach (Director), Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, Sophia Kichou (Centrepoint Parliament, formerly homeless), Stan Burridge (Pathway, formerly homeless)