YEOVIL NEWS: Homes for Britain event rolls into town

YEOVIL town centre was alive with people yesterday (Wednesday, February 25, 2015) who were keen to give their views on the housing shortage and what needs to be done to solve the current crisis.

“Politicians just aren’t doing enough” said one local resident. “How can young people hope to get onto the property ladder or ever have a home to call their own until something serious is done about this?”

Local provider of affordable homes, Yarlington Housing Group, took to the town on Wednesday as part of the nationwide campaign to end the housing crisis within a generation.

Yarlington invited members of the public to the event to put their questions about how the housing crisis will be resolved to politicians, councillors and those with an interest in housing.

A “living statue” drew the crowds, and passers-by were given the opportunity to sign a national petition in support of the ‘Homes for Britain’ campaign, which is looking to the next government to come up with a long-term plan to tackle the housing crisis within a year of getting into office.

PHOTO – TOP: Yarlington Housing Group support the campaign.

 PHOTO – RIGHT: Yarlington Housing Group chief executive Gary Orr, second right, with, from left, executive director of customer services Nick Fry, Izabella the “living statue” and growth and investment executive director Barbara Richardson.

It is being backed by thousands of people up and down the country who have joined forces with organisations from every corner of the housing world.

Homes for Britain’s call comes at a time when housing demand vastly outstrip supply at both a national and local level.

The Home Truths report shows that over the next 20 years in the South West region alone, there will be 439,000 new families, all of whom will need homes, but at current building rates, 200,000 will have nowhere to live.

Meanwhile, some areas are in desperate need of regeneration and jobs, and having the right types of homes in the right places can play a vital role in sparking new life into these communities.

Jenny Allen, external affairs manager at the National Housing Federation, said: “We are delighted that this event took place and that Yarlington backed Homes for Britain.

“By taking the housing crisis to the heart of Westminster, Yarlington is highlighting the need to end the housing crisis within a generation. The next government needs to commit to a long-term plan – one that sets out how everyone can have access to the home they need at a price they can afford.

“We want people from all walks of life to add their voice, so get involved - write to local politicians, tell your friends and family, and tweet us using #HomesForBritain.”

Yarlington’s chief executive, Gary Orr, added: “This campaign is so important to create sustainable communities for the future.

“We know that a secure home underpins achievement, and we support this initiative to ensure that our current and future residents have every opportunity that is available to them.”

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