Northern housing crisis to intensify

NEW research shows that the housing crisis is set to intensify across the North of England. Figure published by the National Housing Federation show that insufficient numbers of homes have been built in each North region since 2002.  The figures also show that too few homes were built in the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humberside in 2008/9, the latest year for which figures are available.

According to the Federation regional planning authorities have failed to ensure the right numbers of private and social homes are built - despite having agreed with government agencies how many homes can realistically be built in each area to meet housing need. 

Across the North the housing target between 2002/3 - 2008/9 has been missed by 14%, which is over 45,000 too few homes.  The failure to build enough homes across the country comes at a time when over 600,000 households in the North of England are on a waiting list for a social home.

Over the whole period 2002/3-2008/9:-

► North East missed its target by 19%, delivering 47,000 homes against a target of 58,350.

► North West missed its target by 17%, delivering 126,210 homes against a target of 151,456

► Yorkshire and Humberside, missed its target by 8%, delivering 100,830 homes against a target of 110,100

In single year 2008/9:-

► North East missed its target by 51%, delivering 4,540 homes against a published target of 9,270.

► Yorkshire and Humberside missed its target by 48%, delivering 11,480 homes against a target of 22,260.

► North West missed its target by 40% delivering 13,850 homes against a target of 23,111.

Regional targets were introduced by the Government as a way of ensuring that enough homes were built in each region to meet local housing need. They are drawn up by the regional assemblies - in London by the Mayor - in consultation with local authorities, government housing agencies and regional government offices. The first targets were issued under the regional planning guidance system. However, since 2004, targets have been increasingly set through regional spatial strategies.

Federation head of North Derek Long said:- "Quite simply too few homes have been built in the North of England, even during the boom years. Urgent action is required to get housebuilding back on track in the North.  We need the commitment of all parties to protect the current level of public spending on housing, after the general election, otherwise we will not see the right number of homes being delivered anywhere in the country. If we fail to build the right number of homes now waiting lists will grow, and homelessness and overcrowding will get worse."

Fatal Collision - Coastal Road, Birkdale

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for witnesses after a fatal collision between a black Honda motorbike and a blue BMW car occurred on the Coastal Road, Birkdale on Tuesday, 13 April 2010 at around 8.50pm.

The motorcyclist, a 20 year old man from Formby, sustained serious injuries and later died in hospital.

A collision investigator attended the scene and the road was temporarily closed to facilitate an investigation.

The driver of the BMW, a 22 year old man from Seaforth, stopped at the scene and has been helping police with their enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Merseyside Police Roads Policing Unit on:- 0151 777 5771 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555111.

Southport Lifeboat Collections

SOUTHPORT Lifeboat held a collection and information stand in Cambridge Arcade, on 10 April 2010, to raise cash and also to remind people that they are an independent charity, not funded by the RNLI or any other body. The boats are provided through charitable donations and are operated by Southport Offshore Rescue Trust. They provide an invaluable 24 hour lifesaving service around the Merseyside coast and insure waters. The stand was also promoting the charity’s new fundraising initiative, the 'Southport Lifeboat Lotto'... For more information go to:- southport-lifeboat.org.uk.

THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE...

ESPERANTO speakers will meet in Preston on Saturday, 17 April 2010 for the North West Esperanto Federation’s AGM. Guest speakers, Terry and Anica Page from Milton Keynes are one of the best known Esperanto speaking couples in the UK.

The pair originally met at a European Esperanto Congress. They conversed in Esperanto as neither of them spoke the other’s national language. Esperanto proved to be the language of love! Recently they have appeared on ‘The One Show’ (BBC1) and Anica was interviewed on Slovenian Radio. Their talk is titled, ‘By mutual consent – How to live with a foreigner.’

Chairman of the Federation, Stephen Thompson, will lead the meeting, which is the region’s biggest annual Esperanto event and which is organised by the South Lancashire Esperanto Group.

The event will take place at the Empire Services Club in Hartington Road, Preston from 12 noon to 5 pm. Participants will enjoy conversation groups, formal presentations, a raffle, a bookstall and hospitality; Esperanto will be used throughout the meeting.

For more information about this event and other NW Esperanto activities please visit:- esperanto.uklinux.net.