On 9 Oct 2007, George called upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer to call for an increase in the supply of social rented housing. Read George's full question and the Chancellor's reply here.
On 17 Jan 2007, George took part in a debate in the House of Commons on housing, during which he said:
"It is not uncommon for new houses in Knowsley to cost in excess of £200,000, although that is not an average figure. Such a situation would have been inconceivable a few years ago. That partly reflects the success of the local economy, but it has implications for affordability, which is becoming an increasing problem...
"It is impossible for some people to get a foot on a rung of the housing ladder in such places. Because of those pressures, the housing picture has changed dramatically in the recent past...
"It is estimated that 35 per cent. of those on waiting lists are in northern England, yet the area’s Government allocation for affordable housing is only 11.4 per cent. That statistic shows why it is necessary to have this debate."
Read the original Hansard debate here.
