| West Berkshire has the fastest growing waiting list for housing in the county, so local housing providers are calling for an urgent cash injection to help cut waiting lists and increase the build rate.
The local waiting list has gone from 800 five years ago to more than 1600, according to National Housing Federation figures, suggesting the district has a chronic shortage of affordable homes.
Sovereign Deputy Chief Executive Chris Trigwell said: “Without a big increase in funding to cut down on waiting lists in areas like Newbury, we could end up damaging the local economy. We are doing the best we can with our stock, but we desperately need more investment, and we hope local MPs share that view.”
Sharon Hedges, Acting Head of South Region for the National Housing Federation, adds: “The Government is committed to growing the economy in the South, but our affordable housing provision is not keeping up with demand.
“Our economy cannot continue to grow successfully if companies cannot recruit and retain staff due to high housing costs.”
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