IN one of the last debates before Parliament’s summer recess, I again raised the issue of Stroud people being priced out of the district because of the unfair way that housing payments are calculated.

The debate on the crisis in social housing and homelessness, was an opportunity to reiterate my heartfelt plea for urgent action to address this inherent unfairness.

People in Stroud who are entitled to financial assistance with their rent miss out, because our payments are pegged to local market rents which include the much cheaper rents in Gloucester.

In any case, the levels of financial assistance have failed to keep pace with market prices. Housing charity Shelter found that only nine per cent of rental properties in Gloucestershire are affordable to people who receive housing benefits.

In Stroud, where rents are higher, even fewer properties will be available, and families are, quite simply, being priced out. The huge shortfall is exacerbated because private landlords increasingly will not take people who receive benefits.

SDC is working hard to deliver more social housing but tackling our housing crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, especially if we are to maintain diverse communities.

Previously a housing minister assured me that he would look into the issue. Last week I wrote to the Department of Work and Pensions to urge him to do so.

We have a new PM with a lengthy ‘to do’ list. If he were to rank these according to the impact on people’s lives, then the housing crisis would be a priority. Sadly, I see little reason for optimism that this hamstrung Government will deliver meaningful change for ordinary people.

My caseworkers will be at the Prince Albert, Rodborough on Thursday, August 8 from 4pm to 5.30pm.