CDF meets Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government

On Friday 5th March, 2021, the CDF was joined by Mike Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, and Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Discussions focused on Labour’s initial response to the 2020 White Paper, and the aspects on which the Opposition were in agreement with the Government, and where they were challenging proposals.  

Mr. Amesbury emphasised that it was essential to listen to the civic voice when discussing development, and that planning processes, while needing to be shortened in some cases, do not overlook the views of local communities.  

He also outlined Labour’s viewpoint that market-led housing and public housing are interdependent, and that currently the ratios between the two are needing to be addressed.  Further to this, he suggested a re-framing of language when discussing affordable homes, in that perhaps discussions should talk about an ‘affordability crisis’ rather than a ‘housing crisis’.