Prescott turns searchlight on rural Cumbria

Today, Cumbria County Council's Leader and Deputy Leader met with John Prescott to discuss the problems of affordable housing in rural Cumbria. On a fact finding mission to the North West, the Deputy Prime Minister wanted to speak to a range of organisations interested in tackling the issues facing families in the area. 

He explained he intends to turn a searchlight on the county over the next year to see how the Government's housing policies are experienced on the ground in such a diverse area. County Councillor Rex Toft, Leader of the Council explains; 

"I wanted to emphasise to the Deputy Prime Minister that Cumbria is a county of great contrasts. In parts of Furness and West Cumbria there are issues of dereliction and poor housing conditions. Throughout the Lake District and other parts of the rural county however, many ordinary people find it impossible to afford a home of their own. 

I was very encouraged by Mr Prescott's commitment to focus and learn from Cumbria. I welcome an emphasis on seeing how people on the ground experience Government policies. At the Cumbria Strategic Partnership's last meeting we began a dialogue on how affordable housing can unlock prosperity for rural Cumbria. I hope that the personal interest of the Deputy Prime Minister will help take forward this work and lead to more and better targeted resources. 

We have an extremely ambitious programme of rural regeneration in the County. Our Rural Regeneration Company, taking forward the Rural Action Zone will be fighting hard for new jobs, improved services and recovery from Foot and Mouth. Providing affordable homes in the right locations will be essential if all this effort is to lead to truly sustainable villages and market towns." 

County Councillor Mike Ash, Deputy Leader of the Council says, 

"I look forward to working closely with Mr Prescott and others in the County and discussing again the detail of the Government's policies for rural areas." 

Paul Davies, Chief Executive of the Cumbria Rural Housing Trust, Bob Clarke, Shadow Board member of the Rural Regeneration Company and Mark Fryer, Leader of Allerdale Borough Council also attended the meeting with Mr Prescott.