The Surrey
Advertiser report (right) by Colin Parker, confirms that homelessness
has been increasing over the last 16 months.
Joanne Tester, who helps to run the Guildford Action Day Centre says that
18 to 20 rough sleepers are seen there every day.
A major part of the problem is that the social housing stock is so low. Three out of four visitors to the centre are from Guildford, but the remainder come from surrounding boroughs who are reluctant to provide facilities for fear of increasing their own homelessness problems. The situation will not get any easier as the credit crunch results in more people losing their homes.
Petition on Affordable Housing
Tim Shand, Labour's Parliamentary Candidate, had his views published by the Surrey Advertiser, which we reproduce below.
We need to make room for more homes
It was with great concern that I read Colin Parker's article on the rising levels of homelessness in Guildford (Surrey Advertiser Nov. 7th).
The lack of decent affordable housing is the biggest single issue that blights our communities, condemning sections of the town to a much poorer quality of life than is acceptable.
Guildford Labour Party has made it our key campaign to increase access to affordable housing. The overwhelming response of ordinary people to our petition on this issue highlights the fact that there is widespread concern and that greater action is needed.
Despite their platitudes, the Conservatives and Lib Dems remain against the South East Plan, which contains ambitious targets for affordable housing in Guildford and outlines exactly where such housing can be built. Wisley Airfield is one such site.
With 3656 people currently on the council house waiting list, how long will we need to wait for action to be taken? I challenge our councillors to prioritise home building for ordinary people and to do more to support the excellent work of organisations such as Guildford Action. This is essential, not only for economic growth of our town, but because a decent home is the least every citizen of our country deserves.
Tim Shand 21st Nov. 2008
If you have any issues you wish to raise with Tim or would like him to speak to your group then you can email him by clicking the link below.
