A petition is calling for more action to meet the need for affordable local homes. The petition was launched in September, as the Government announced measures to help keep the housing market moving despite the credit crunch.

In the Carrick area, 3000 families are on the local housing register. Carrick District Council expects developers to make one in three new homes affordable, but regional plans make it clear that councils can require more new homes to be affordable. In October, local councils will also be invited to make proposals to tackle local problems using new powers of the Sustainable Communities Act.

Local campaigner Charlotte MacKenzie said: “As well as making affordable housing part of local development plans, there is much more that councils can do. For example, by helping to make more publicly owned land available for low-cost homes.

“As an active supporter of the campaign which got the Sustainable Communities Act passed, I know that it could make a difference in Cornwall. I hope that local councils will respond positively when they receive the invitation to make proposals under this Act. Tackling the shortage of affordable homes tops the list of local priorities. All levels of government need to work together to put people first and meet local housing needs.”

You can sign the petition here.