Mick Bates : Welsh Liberal Democrats: Assembly Member: Montgomeryshire

Campaigning in affordable housing

The affordable housing crisis in Powys is getting worse and something needs to be done about it. Mick Bates campaigns for affordable housing and calls for more to be done to solve the problem:

"For the last few years I have been the Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson on housing. The reason I took the job was simple - I have seen too many people in Montgomeryshire priced out of the housing market. It's time something was done about it.

"For the last few years I have worked and consulted to make sure the Welsh Liberal Democrats have a housing policy that really helps people. A housing policy that means a lot more than mere words. A housing policy that will help make the dream of an affordable home for so many a reality.

"The policy suggested by the Welsh Liberal Democrats includes measures to suspend the Right-to-by in areas where the affordable housing crisis is at it's worst. It includes measures to extend and simplify the Home-by scheme and promote community land trusts, giving people the opportunity to get their leg on the first run of the housing ladder. It includes measures to eradicate homelessness. It also includes measures to make sure people with specific needs get housing to suit their needs.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats take housing seriously. So seriously that we would increase the housing budget in Wales by £150 million.

"We need to take real and urgent action to help solve the affordable housing crisis. I want to help achieve this goal. The Welsh liberal Democrats want to achieve this goal."

In an earlier statement Mick commented:

“The local economy, the provision of local services, the future of shops and schools and the maintenance of a real community all depend upon a balanced mix of population. If we do not solve the crisis much of that population, particularly the young and less affluent, will be driven out.

“Political leaders need to speak out for the younger and less affluent members of our communities who are currently priced out of the market. We need to explore every avenue to ensure the dream of an affordable home in our communities becomes a reality.”