Urgent action plan to tackle Oldham’s housing crisis to be debated at full council meeting

An urgent plan to tackle Oldham’s housing crisis will be debated at Wednesday’s full council meeting.

Oldham Labour are proposing the plan in response to 'complete confusion' surrounding the Conservative Government’s housing and planning policy following the collapse of the mini-budget and Prime Minister Liz Truss’s resignation.

The status of proposals in the Levelling Up White Paper is in question and rumours about ‘supply side reforms’ are widespread.

The ‘Halloween financial statement’ has now been postponed, leading to continuing uncertainty about Government plans.

The impact of Conservative Government housing and planning policies on Oldham include a rapid rise in households in housing need in Oldham - up a quarter in the past year.

There are now over 7,000 households on the Housing Register waiting for a social home.

Oldham Labour state that the Government continues to refuse to fund general needs social homes in Oldham, which would offer these families a home.

Relying on private developers to meet the gap is 'unrealistic', as affordability issues in private developments mean the target of 10% affordable homes on developments over 10 homes is often not met and ongoing policy uncertainty makes developers to reluctant commit to new schemes.

The mini-budget has led to a hike in mortgage interest payments threatening many residents’ ability to pay and keep their home, making it harder for first time buyers and raising private tenants’ rents.

And there is continued insecurity for private renters as no date is set for the abolition of Section 21 evictions, despite a Conservative 2019 manifesto commitment.

Councillor Kyle Phythian, Housing lead for Oldham Council, said: "Oldham residents need clear Government action to tackle the housing crisis and build the homes we need.

"Labour will ask for urgent clarification of the Government’s Housing and Planning policies and assurance that Section 21 evictions will be abolished in this session of Parliament to protect private renters, and Homes England will be directed to support all Councils to build homes for social rent.

"Our six point plan includes asking for help to be put in place to support mortgage payers who are threatened with losing their home because of Tory mismanagement of the economy.

"The Tories have already watered down requirements for developers to provide affordable homes and this must stop.

"Labour is pushing ahead to provide as many truly affordable homes as possible, making a start on Derker and Southlink, but we need the Government to step up and help us do more."

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of the Council, added: "Planning plays an important part in delivering homes.

"Our action plan includes a call for any reforms of the planning system to ensure local democratic control of the planning process and fund Councils to provide an efficient and effective service.

"And action must be taken to end land banking by developers.

"It is clear that the best solution to Oldham’s housing crisis is a Labour Government committed to a reformed private rented sector that works for renters and good landlords, helping us build good quality social homes at rents people can afford to pay and help for first time buyers and home owners, including abolishing leasehold as a tenure.

"While we wait to be given a say in a General Election, we will push hard for changes to help us deliver the homes Oldham needs."

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