Housing bodies ask for fair share of spending

24 Aug 2010, 12:15

The region's housing associations have written an open letter to the Government demanding that residents are given the same opportunities as those in other parts of the country in the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

The North West Housing Forum called for its fair share of funding and resources to tackle the region's housing challenges, as the Government considers its spending plan for the next five years.

Cllr George Davies, executive member of Wirral Council and chairman of the North West Housing Forum, said: "We all know that funding and resources are going to be extremely limited over the next five years, however, we are urging the Government to recognise the significant housing challenges the North West faces and that we need a fair allocation of the investment available.

"There is no getting away from the fact that times are going to be tough, but it is vital that the Government does not lose sight of the key issues affecting our region when it sets out its spending plans.

"Whilst the North West has made strong progress, the issues of poor quality housing, poverty and social exclusion still remain in many areas. However, we have a strong history of partnership working in the North West and our message to the Government is that with the right resources, we are well placed to tackle these challenges.

"The principles of the Big Society are not new to the North West, and we want to work with Government to find innovative solutions to support residents and communities across the region and ensure we capture the opportunities that a new approach to society will present."

The submission from the NWHF also stresses the importance of continued investment in supporting people to move from benefits dependency, increasing quality of life, promoting educational attainment, reducing the burden on the National Health and Justice Services and ultimately, in helping to grow the economy of the North West, all key aspects of the Government agenda.

The outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review is due to be outlined on 20 October.

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