Local Liberal Democrats have pledged to tackle unaffordable housing and homelessness ahead of elections on 6 May 2021.

The Group have said in their manifesto that they will:

• Develop a housing company.

• Support private renters by working with private landlords.

• Listen to residents’ views about Council housing maintenance matters.

• Make sure the number of people in temporary accommodation continues to fall.

• Improve support for people who are at risk of becoming homeless.

• Work to ensure support for rough sleepers continues after the pandemic.

• Continue the ‘Housing First’ policy that the Liberal Democrats helped create in 2018.

Councillor Jenni Ferrans, Liberal Democrat Community & Housing Spokesperson, said: “Milton Keynes is a great city to live in, but sadly not everyone can afford to. Rents are high, and some people, especially the younger generation, struggle to get on the housing ladder.”

“The Liberal Democrats have a solution. We will develop our own housing company, so that the houses being built are actually affordable and meet the needs of our residents. We will work with private landlords to encourage them to provide good housing.“

“Tackling homelessness has always been a priority for the Liberal Democrats, which is why we helped changed Council policy to ‘Housing First’ back in 2018. Now, rough sleepers who have problems such as addiction or mental health issues are offered housing while they work through their difficulties, rather than having to struggle with them on the streets.”

The Monkston Ward Councillor concluded: “I can guarantee this caring and innovative approach will be carried throughout the Council and its services by the Liberal Democrats if we win the election in May.”