Farron Welcomes Lib Dem Victory On Housing Amendments

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed victory for two Lib Dem amendments to the government's Housing Bill last night in the House of Lords.

Two Lib Dem amendments to the Housing Bill were voted for last night in the House of Lords, as the government has been forced to make a number of concessions.

The first Lib Dem amendment, voted for by a margin of 253-205, will ensure that all new English homes to meet a "carbon compliance standard" from April 2018.

The second amendment, voted for by a margin of 253-188, will introduce new drainage standards to protect housing developments from flooding.

Tim said: "The problems with the government's Housing Bill have been highlighted by these defeats for the government.

"The Lib Dem amendments help to ensure that the necessary house-building happens in an environmentally-friendly way and low-carbon way. Here in South Lakeland we have seen the terrible impact which flooding can have, so I am particularly pleased to see that the amendment to promote new sustainable drainage systems to reduce flooding has been adopted.

"There is a severe housing crisis in the UK, but the Tories are not willing to address the real problems. The bill is designed to help those who are already home-owners, whilst doing nothing for those struggling to get on the housing ladder."