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Shortage of affordable housing hasn’t arisen because the elderly not able to downsize - Dromey
17 January 2012
Jack Dromey MP, Labour's Shadow Housing Minister, responding to Grant Shapps’ suggestion that councils should offer to help pensioners move to more suitable accommodation to create space for families, said:
"Schemes that enable pensioners to move to more suitable accommodation, live independently for longer and that give them the security to enjoy their later years are to be welcomed and are fully supported by Labour. The choice should be theirs, however, because those in the twilight of their years should not be forced to uproot from their home or family and friends.
"These schemes may also free up a limited amount of affordable housing for young families. But the shortage of affordable housing hasn’t arisen because the elderly are not able to downsize, it has arisen because on this Government’s watch there was a catastrophic 99 per cent collapse in the building of affordable homes in the last six months.
"If this Government really wants to help young families to get a home, the building workers in the dole queue and those living in unsuitable homes, it should focus on building more affordable homes. Sadly, as David Cameron showed last week when he claimed rents were falling when they are actually rising and unaffordable to many, this Government is utterly out of touch with the needs of all those who simply want a decent home at a price they can afford."
