NEWS of a £2 billion boost to help build homes across the country is great news for Cumbria.

The plans, announced by the Prime Minister, will enable housing associations to bid for funding up to 2028-29, helping tens of thousands of affordable and social homes to be built, so those who cannot afford their own house can still have somewhere they are proud to call home.

A lack of affordable housing is something that is prevalent across the South Lakes, with a high proportion of second home ownership and increase in commuter and retirement homes and the high price of building land.

Generations who have grown up here are finding themselves having to move out so the government should be applauded for this move.

The scheme will give housing associations the stability needed to get tens of thousands of affordable homes built where they are needed most

As Theresa May has stated, she has made it her personal mission to get more people on to the housing ladder.

If housing associations across the South Lakes come onboard with this scheme we can ensure that people who want to stay in the town they grew up in can continue to do so and not feel pressured to move by rising prices.

Cllr James Airey

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale