Government penalises Cambridge tenants

1.53.44pm GMT Mon 11th Dec 2006

Cambridge MP, David Howarth, has criticised Government policy for limiting the amount of affordable housing in Cambridge.

Mr. Howarth's criticism came during a debate in the House of Commons yesterday when he called attention to the Government Inspector reducing the affordable housing target in the Cambridge Local Plan from 50% to 40%.

Mr. Howarth commented:

"Cambridge City Council demanded that all new developments, over a minimum size, in Cambridge should provide 50% affordable housing. However the Government's own inspector refused to allow this higher target and reduced this to 40% affordable housing. Government policy is limiting the provision of affordable housing.

David Howarth discusses the £8 million negative subsidy with Arbury resident Alan Levy

"Here in Cambridge our Council tenants also suffer from a 'negative subsidy'. On average a family in Council housing pays £1000 per year out of their rent to the Government to subsidise other areas of the country. This negative subsidy severely hinders the Council's ability to make the necessary improvements to social housing in the City."