Polesworth councillor slams Conservative councillors after they refuse to back affordable housing motion

Polesworth Councillor Dave Parsons has criticised Conservative county councillors after they refused to back a Labour motion that would have formally asked the government to invest in affordable housing.

The motion originally asked for the government to "increase the supply of affordable housing and to urgently implement the Local Government Association's recommendations in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic and expected health crises".

At the meeting on October 12, the Conservative Councillors amended this proposal, replacing it with a statement asking the government to "look at development site viability and how affordable housing allocations are determined". They were then able to vote through the amendment despite the opposition of Labour and other parties.

Labour County Councillor for Polesworth Dave Parsons said "Given the hardship many of our residents are facing at this time it is clear that it is time to lobby the government about the need for more affordable housing.

"I'm incredibly disappointed that the Tories decided to water down our motion. Their amendment does not even express any support for more affordable housing. It's vague, overly technical and not even worth sending.

"Frankly the residents of Warwickshire deserve better than this. The Tories are all smiles at election time, but when it comes to making a stand for local people they shrug their shoulders and side with the government."