VARIOUS Post area councils have been asked to back Bude-Stratton Town Council’s plea to tackle the country-wide housing crisis.

Councils were asked to put in writing that they recognise that their town is in the midst of a housing emergency that makes it almost impossible for local residents to access affordable housing on local income. They urge the government to: 1. To end the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme; 2. Scrutinise the principles of Affordable Housing with a view to creating links to local earnings; 3. New homes must be prioritised for local need and occupancy; 4. Second Homes: a. To allow a multiplier of council tax which is passed to local communities, b. Scrutiny of the principle of registering houses as businesses; 5. Additions to our housing stock should be delivered to high sustainable living standards and offered with secure and humane tenancy agreements.

Bude-Stratton Mayor Cllr Amanda Tame explained: “Housing has very often been the number one issue that councillors hear about when speaking to members of our community, so we are keen to try and make a positive difference. We have recognised for some time that Bude-Stratton (and indeed many other towns across Cornwall) are in the midst of a housing emergency that makes it almost impossible for our local residents to access affordable housing on local incomes.

“Back in July our planning committee discussed the issues at length and although direct action is difficult and somewhat limited within the remit of a town council, we can call for policy changes at a government level and for Cornwall Council as the housing authority to take action.

“We hope that by declaring a housing emergency we can shine a spotlight on the many issues we are facing and instigate change before our communities are affected further.

“This year has seen a huge increase in holiday rentals and private housing sales resulting in the loss of local rental stock. I myself rent and it’s a huge concern. Like many other seaside towns, Bude-Stratton has a very high percentage of workers in the low wage seasonal sector. We feel that ‘affordable’ housing needs to be truly affordable to those on local salaries as well as local residents also being given priority for local housing.

“We resolved to send our statement and five lobbying points to Scott Mann MP and also to CALC and NALC for circulation to all town and parish councils in Cornwall, urging them to pass similar resolutions as a united call to action.”

Launceston Town Council were among those to receive a copy of the resolution.

Members considered the Housing Resolutions from Bude-Stratton Town Council (previously circulated) and it was resolved that the council lobby government on all points suggested, excluding the first point which suggested they end the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme.

Across the border, Holsworthy Town Council also received the proposal personally from Bude-Stratton’s Mayor and discussed it at their recent meeting.

Torridge District Councillor for the area David Jones held a fairly unpopular view that new homes were needed in the area. He said: “A lot of these things are going to be beyond your control, my control and county council’s control. Sat in this room I’m probably the one who is most likely to be affected by the lack of housing around here, but it’s not just here, there is a lack of housing across the south west.

“It might be unpopular but I do believe we need to build more houses, and I think that its the building of houses and the increase in population that will draw more things into Holsworthy.

“I do accept however that there will then be implications for things like the doctors and the dentists and things like that.”

He suggested the council could adopt the policy but recommended they consider writing to their MP for Torridge and West Devon Geoffrey Cox too.

After discussion councillors said they agreed with the principal but felt the bullet points were too specific.

They resolved to issue the following statement and write to their MP to get the message passed further up the line: “Holsworthy Town Council recognise that Holsworthy is in the midst of a housing emergency that makes it almost impossible for our local residents to access affordable housing on local income. If this situation remains unchecked, we fear fracturing of our communities leading to long term social identity issues, workforce problems, loss of family support networks and empty homes bringing a loss of economic vitality and sustainability of our community. Holsworthy Town Council urge Torridge District Council and Devon County Council to declare a housing emergency based on the statement above.”

Camelford Town Council were due to resolve to approve a response to correspondence from Bude-Stratton and Bodmin Town Councils regarding planning policy at their council meeting on October 19 as the Post went to press.