Homes crisis realisation dawns at last (From Gazette Series)

Homes crisis realisation dawns at last

HURRAY! At last Stroud Labour have realised there is a housing crisis in the district.

They, of course, are partly responsible for the situation we find ourselves in. If Stroud Labour, helped by David Drew, had not supported the 'No' campaign for the transfer of council houses in 2003 we wouldn't be in this mess.

It is a bit rich for them to start pontificating about the shortage of affordable housing now, when their actions 18 months ago denied the district £20m which could have helped build a lot of houses. (This quite apart from the council tenants not having upgrades to their properties).

Another aspect of this, conveniently glossed over by Stroud Labour, is that the £4 million that the council is expecting to receive over the next three years (because we are a well-run debt-free council) is only half of the proceeds of the sale of council houses in this district under the right to buy scheme.

Where does the other half go? Yes, you guessed it, back to central government so they can give to major conurbations, where they are anxious to get Labour votes.

And, of course, beyond three years all of the proceeds will disappear out of Stroud district, straight to Westminster. Make that 67 stealth taxes!

Cllr Nigel Cooper Rodborough Ward Buckholt Road Cranham