HUNDREDS of properties in North Cornwall could be sold off under Government plans to reduce the number of council homes, claim the Liberal Democrats.

The party has criticised the move as ‘irresponsible’ and said it would ‘ramp up’ demand for housing and increase rents.

Figures from homeless charity Shelter show there are 26,915 families on the housing waiting list in Cornwall.

Shelter says the Housing and Planning Bill — debated in the House of Commons last week — includes plans to force councils to sell low rent homes in high value areas.

Former North Cornwall Liberal Democrat MP Dan Rogerson said: “Not only are the Conservatives selling off social housing, they are also strengthening developers’ hands and ensuring that they can build houses for sale with no affordable rented homes on their sites.

“This means more homes sold to private investors and second home owners with even fewer for locals. Despite claiming to care about affordable housing for local families, Conservative MPs are pulling up the ladder behind them, leaving families on the waiting list and in short term private lets.

“Added to their disgraceful betrayal over tax credits it’s clear where their priorities lie.

“The Liberal Democrats are committed to defending social housing. As a party we are making the case that the government should not be forcing the hand of local councils to sell off much needed housing which will hurt North Cornwall.”

Shelter says the Government should ‘urgently reconsider its proposed package of housing reforms, and drop the forced sale of high value council housing’.