READING West and Mid Berkshire MP Olivia Bailey is calling for action over the sale of property by social housing providers in villages across the county.
Ms Bailey is responding to concerns by constituents over having to move from the village where they have grown up as a result of surging house prices and the lack of social housing for rent.
In a question to the Housing Minister, Olivia welcomed the measures proposed by the government in the new Social Housing Bill to support rural social housing.
However, she also asked him to consider strengthening the rules to protect against the selling-off of properties that could be housing local families in their communities.
Olivia Bailey MP said, ‘Affordable homes, including those for social rent are so important for our rural communities across Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
“Not only so that people have the opportunity to stay and raise a family where they grew up, but also to help ensure that our villages retain their schools, pubs and shops.
‘So, I am pleased that the Housing Minister confirmed in his answer to me that the government is looking at what further steps can be taken to retain properties in the social housing sector.”
