A COUNCILLOR has welcomed plans for Lichfield District Council to take on 28 new homes for social rent.
The cabinet agreed the plans for the 28 properties being built by Persimmon Homes at Cricket Lane in Lichfield at a meeting this week.
Cllr Colin Ball, deputy leader of the Labour opposition group, described the move as a “major step forward” for local people waiting for housing.
He said:
“This is a particular passion of mine having been involved professionally in social housing for over 50 years. It’s something that I and my Labour colleagues have been pushing for since we were elected.
“Now, at last, we have an administration at Lichfield District Council which understands the value of well-managed, good quality, rented housing, not just for local families in housing need but for wider community benefit.
“A good home is the bedrock of social mobility and is a springboard for higher education and skills attainment and secure employment, ultimately feeding in to economic growth.
“This is a relatively small step – 28 units when over 600 families are on the housing waiting list – but is a significant step in the right direction after years of inaction.
“I am proud that the Labour opposition has continued to focus on social housing, including pressing for extra funding to be allocated for it.”
The council will also consider the purchase of additional houses in Lichfield and Burntwood next week in order to make them available for social housing too.
Cllr Ball added:
“With its new Housing and Homelessness Strategy, the council has now set out on a very positive journey which I and my Labour colleagues very much welcome.”
