The UK Prime Minister has been called to 'back-up his words' over his new announcement that social housing as a top issue for his government.

Speaking on the initiative, Local AM Mick Bates said: "The Prime Minister needs to match action with concrete proposals if his warm words on affordable housing are to enable real change in communities around Wales."

The Prime Minister today announced that housing will be one of the top issues on his agenda for government. This includes looking at making homes more affordable for first time buyers and key public servants, particularly in South East England and London.

“However the UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, made no mention on the need to help young people and families find a home of their own. In many areas of Wales, particularly in Montgomeryshire, house prices are beyond their reach. This problem of affordability is not just confined to the South East of England."

Mick, speaking on the need for a boost in the number of social housing said that in Wales, the number of homeless households in temporary accommodation has increased from 941 in 1999 to 3,144 in September 2006, over a threefold increase during the life of the National Assembly.

"While I welcome the Prime Minister's announcement that there will be investment in affordable housing, he must also ensure that action is taken to enable local Councils and Housing Associations and Trusts to bring about real improvements in social housing

“Affordable homes for buy and rent need to be available in all areas to help young people and families and they need to be scattered across the whole of Wales . This way we build sustainable and strong communities. The situation is urgent."

Speaking on the importance that Gordon Brown is placing of the housing problem, Mick said that any help would be welcome to add to the initiatives being proposed by the new coalition government. "This situation is becoming urgent: we now have a society of housing 'haves' and 'have nots'.

"All of these considerations are an important factor in the provision of high quality affordable housing. Such reforms are essential if we are to take the Prime Minister seriously in his new found enthusiasm for housing."

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