From the Rt Revd John D. Davies
Sir, - The Church Times is vigilant in drawing
attention to issues of social concern, especially as they affect
people who are at disadvantage in present circumstances. I,
therefore, ask you to notice a change of government policy which
was conveyed in the form of a written statement in the Commons on a
recent Friday afternoon (see Hansard, 28 November).
The Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local
Government, Brandon Lewis, stated that, on sites of ten or fewer
units, there should no longer be an obligation to provide
affordable housing. It is common in rural areas for new housing to
be built in small clusters of ten or less. This announcement could
mean, in effect, the disappearance of affordable housing from rural
development.
The statement included some glowing endorsements of these
changes from representatives of the building industry - for whom it
could be seen as a welcome Christmas (or even pre-election)
present. But nowhere in the statement is there any recognition that
the provision of affordable housing is an essential element in a
programme of social justice. It is seen only as a nuisance to
developers.
Local councils in the area where I live have expressed their
concern about this announcement, and I suggest that it is a matter
that should come to the attention of all boards for social
responsibility.
JOHN D. DAVIES
Nyddfa, By Pass Road,Gobowen, Shropshire SY11 3ND