CALDERDALE’S Housing Strategy was the subject of an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons.
The debate followed talks between Calderdale Council and two local MPs, Chris McCafferty (Calder Valley) and Linda Riordan (Halifax).
The discussion is part of broader negotiations on a West Yorkshire and Yorkshire and Humber regional basis regarding levels of investment in housing for the next three years.
It enabled Calderdale Council officials and members to express concerns on the likely level of funding, and also to ensure that investment in existing housing is seen considered at least as important as new developments.
The two MPs promoted an Adjournment Debate in the House, which was answered by the new Housing Minister, Caroline Flint.
Ms McCafferty introduced the Debate and majored on the need for continued investment in the older private sector housing stock in Calderdale. She noted that half of the private sector housing in Calderdale was built before 1919 and pointed out that much of this housing provides a home for older and more vulnerable people in the Borough.
Ms Riordan stressed the need for continued improvement of older areas around Halifax including Lee Mount, Boothtown and Siddal.
She also called for the provision of more family homes and Chris McCafferty called for minimum space standards in new housing development.
The Minister welcomed Calderdale’s commitment to housing agendas and agreed to consider further the issues raised and the need for financial support from Government.
