Labour in Northumberland criticizes Conservative claims about housing targets, calling them misleading ahead of the upcoming local elections in May
Labour says the leaflet’s claim of a 222% increase in housing targets is misleading. The Conservatives deny this and express concerns about the higher targets.
The government raised the annual housing target from 549 to 1,649 homes. This is just over a 200% increase. The original target was even higher at 1,769 homes.
Labour points out that since 2017, the Conservatives have built more homes than the target. A report shows 1,552 new homes were built each year since then.
The new target is only 97 homes more than the average, a 6.25% increase. However, many communities are worried about the amount of building happening.
Labour leader Coun Scott Dickinson said the government should work with councils and communities. He believes the Conservatives have let developers build too many homes without considering local needs.
He added that Labour would focus on local voices and affordable housing if elected in May. They want to address the housing crisis and ensure local people benefit.
In response, Conservative deputy leader Coun Richard Wearmouth expressed confusion over Labour’s claims. He said the government raised housing targets significantly and that councils must consider building on greenbelt land.
Wearmouth argued that the increase is unwarranted and imposed against residents’ wishes. He emphasized the need to protect Northumberland’s countryside.
Currently, over 14,000 people are on the housing waiting list in Northumberland. However, more than 8,400 are already considered adequately housed.
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