Affordable housing is local residents’ second
priority after tackling crime. The 2000 Housing Survey clearly
identified the problems, which are likely to have worsened as house prices
have risen. Many people are put off moving to
Bath
and North East Somerset because of the high cost of housing. This is
leading to recruitment difficulties and skill shortages which could have a
knock-on effect on the local economy. Public services such as health
services are particularly hard hit by the effect of high house prices
compared to wage levels.
The South West Housing Body (SWHB) has recognised the increasing gap
between house prices and incomes and has emphasised the effect this has on
balanced communities over the long-term. These pressures are increasingly
being felt across the area. It is common for young people to be forced to
leave villages because of rising house prices and lack of affordable
homes. The South West Regional Assembly has identified the need to provide
access to affordable housing in the South West.
Following the transfer of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s
housing stock to Somer Community Housing Trust in 1999, a programme to
deliver 600 new affordable homes by March 2005 was introduced. An
innovative new Housing Strategy, which links directly to our "BE: at
home" ambition for housing, will look beyond this programme and make
sure all potential sources of affordable housing are explored.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is also developing a Rural Housing
Strategy with
North Somerset
and South Gloucestershire Councils.
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