MP backs Shelter’s housing campaign

Michael Meacher MP

AN Oldham MP has pledged his support to a charity’s campaign which calls on the Government to end the country’s housing crisis.

Oldham West and Royton’s Michael Meacher is backing Shelter’s Now is the Time campaign, which is being launched after a survey revealed the desperate sacrifices people are making just to keep a roof over their heads.

The Breaking Point survey revealed that people were spending less on food, selling their possessions, borrowing money from family and friends and depriving their children of treats to avoid becoming homeless.

Research has also revealed that around one in four households in the North-West are suffering from stress and depression due to today’s housing costs.

Now is the Time sets out a detailed 12-point plan to tackle the affordability crisis, including calling on the Government to carry out its promise to build three million new homes by 2020 and meet its target to build 45,000 social-rented homes every year by 2011.

The plan also calls for mortgage lenders to use repossession only as a last resort and provide more help and support to homeowners.

Shelter also wants the Government to review property taxation — including council tax, stamp duty, inheritance tax and capital gains tax — to make the system fairer.

Welcoming the launch of the campaign in the House of Commons, Mr Meacher said: “I am pleased to back Shelter’s campaign to make sure that everyone has an affordable and decent place to call home.

“We need to build more homes, protect people who are facing housing difficulties and make the housing system fairer.”

Adam Sampson, chief executive of Shelter, said: “With repossessions soaring, private-sector rents rising, thousands stuck on the council housing waiting list and thousands more in temporary accommodation, we must all work together to tackle the housing affordability crisis.

“Shelter is delighted that Michael Meacher has signed up and his support will be instrumental in persuading ministers to build more homes, protect people at risk and end the housing divide.”

Visit the website at www.shelter.org.uk/nowisthetime for more information.