LABour plEDgEs soCiAl housing

Candidate for mayor plans new Peterborough homes

Social housing in Peterborough is a priority for Labour’s new mayoral candidate. Kevin Price, Cambridge City Council deputy leader and executive leader for housing, believes the St Michael’s Gate saga is proof that more “social rented homes” is needed in Peterborough after an“explosion in homelessness.”

He said: “The scandal of St Michael’sGateshowsthatrelying ontheprivate sector alone to provide secure, decent and affordable homes for those who need to rent them, and particularly for when councils discharge their dutytothe homeless, is an empty hope.”

The St Michael’s Gate estate in Parnwell has made national headlines due to 72 residents being evicted from their homes and replaced by homeless people. Peterborough City Council is paying nearly£1 millionayeartolease thepropertiesandusethemas temporary accommodation.

Outliningotherprioritiesif elected in May as the county’s first mayor, Cllr Price added: “Peterborough has a diverse economy from engineering, agriculture, manufacturing to environmental services.

“I support the vision for a campus style degree-awardinguniversityandholdingThe Treasurytoitscommitmentto deliver this.

“Raising the skills of young people is key to tackling the poverty and inequality which holds them back. I would also support more investment in public transport in and around Peterborough which would also help attract more people into the city centre for leisure or work.”

City council Labour group leader Cllr Mohammed Jamil said: “Kevin’s experience in campaigning and commitment to tackling the inequality caused by lack of housing andpoortransportlinksmake himtheidealcandidateforthe mayoral role.”

Theelectedmayorwilllead a new county-wide authority with hundreds of millions of pounds to spend on housing and for economic growth.

Kevin Price