TERRYE WELCOMES NICK CLEGG TO ST AGNES TO MEET YOUNG COUPLE LOOKING FOR A LOCAL HOME
August 28, 2008 10:49 AM
Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat Leader, made another trip to Cornwall today to highlight the problems of finding local housing in St Agnes. He was accompanied by local Candidate Terrye Teverson and MP's Matthew Taylor and Julia Goldsworthy.
The Halifax Building Society recently cited Carrick council area as one of the least affordable rural districts where average house prices are over ten times average annual wages.
Nick met local couple Richard and Naomi who can't afford to move out of her mother's house. Naomi, who works in the local bakery, told Nick, "I would like to have my own place with Rich but the prices around here are too high so we have to stay at my Mum's place. Our joint salary just isn't enough."
Terrye pointed out to Nick that the lowest priced house in a village like St Agnes was around 200,000 pounds and most houses cost much more. "More homes for rent are essential. The root of much of the housing crisis is due to the Conservative "Right to Buy" policy which saw thousands of affordable homes lost for local families and not replaced by new housing stock."
Ocean Housing Group Chief Executive David Renwick showed Nick Clegg their plans for a new development which will allow potential buyers the option to buy 25%, 50% or 75% of the open market value of the property. The rent and mortgage combined is typically around 550.00 per month. Local councillors, Richard Cooper, Toby Parkin and Les Donnithorne have all backed this scheme to provide more affordable homes in St Agnes.
Nick Clegg pointed out that thousands of families up and down the country were in difficulties and repossessions were rising. "Liberal Democrats are pressing for planning controls to prevent turning more full time homes into second homes.
Nick continued, "The Liberal Democrats have also successfully pressed the Government to reduce the Council Tax discount on second homes from 50% to 10%. The Conservatives were giving tax discounts to those wealthy people who could afford two homes after having sold off the homes for rent."
Matthew Taylor MP has recently written an independent report for the Prime Minister known as the Taylor Report which sets out the major difficulties facing homebuyers particularly in Cornwall.
Nick finished his trip with a visit to BBC Radio Cornwall for a question and answer session with Laurence Reed on his phone in programme.
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