Labour MP supports plans to build 70,000 new homes in Birmingham

MP Jack Dromey has spoken out in favour of a proposal to develop up to 70,000 new homes in Birmingham to help tackle "the biggest housing crisis in a generation".

Speaking at the annual National Housing Federation conference at the ICC in central Birmingham, Labour's national housing spokesman voiced his support for the ambitious housebuilding programme which has been proposed by the Labour-run Birmingham City Council.

Labour has pledged in its local election manifesto to build the much needed housing, including thousands of affordable homes, across the city by 2026.

New homes targets scrapped by the coalition government demanded Birmingham build 50,000 residential properties, but the Labour party want to increase this to 70,000 new homes to meet growing demand.

They believe that such an ambitious programme, using the council's vast land bank in partnership with developers, will also create jobs and boost the local economy.

Mr Dromey commented: "Today, as we gather in Birmingham for the National Housing Federation's Annual Conference, the country is gripped by the biggest housing crisis in a generation and the longest double dip recession since the Second World War.

"The facts are stark. Housebuilding is down, homelessness is up, private rents have hit record highs and we have a mortgage market where people are struggling to get mortgages."

The MP continued: "That's why for Labour, homes, jobs and growth will lie at the heart of our recovery plan for Britain. That's why Labour Birmingham has pledged to build 70,000 homes. We will put housing centre-stage in a way it has not been for a generation."