Labour fume over Tories’ Conservative housing target claim

Northumberland: Labour is upset about the new housing target set by the government. They say the reported 222% increase is misleading.

The Conservatives disagree and express worries about the higher targets. The government raised the annual housing goal from 549 to 1,649 homes.

Initially, the target was even higher at 1,769 homes, but it was later adjusted down. Labour points out that since 2017, more homes have been built than the target.

A report shows an average of 1,552 new homes were constructed each year. The new target is only 97 homes more than this average, a 6.25% increase.

However, many locals are concerned about the rapid house-building in recent years. Labour leader Cllr Scott Dickinson says the government should work with communities.

He believes the Conservatives have let developers build without considering residents’ needs. Dickinson emphasizes the need for affordable housing for locals.

He promises that if Labour wins in May, they will listen to community voices and tackle the housing crisis.

In response, Conservative deputy leader Cllr Richard Wearmouth questions Labour’s claims. He argues that the government raised housing targets significantly.

Wearmouth insists that the council fought against this increase. He warns that it could lead to development in greenbelt areas.

He believes the focus should be on building homes where they are truly needed.

Current council data shows over 14,000 people are on the housing waiting list, with many already adequately housed.