Bath MP Welcomes New Affordable Housing for NHS Key Workers

12 December 2022

Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath, has warmly welcomed Bath and North East Somerset Council’s first new housing in a generation. Her Liberal Democrat B&NES council colleagues have delivered the project in Newbridge ward, the first milestone in their programme to develop 100 per cent affordable housing.

The former council offices at 117 Newbridge Hill have been refurbished by the council’s housing company, Aequus Construction Ltd. The seven one- and two-bedroom apartments were handed over to the council on 30th November to be let at social rent levels, which are typically 50-60% of market rents. The apartments have been earmarked for local NHS key workers.

Wera Hobhouse commented:

“For years we Liberal Democrats have been calling for 300,000 new homes to be built in this country annually. These must be of a high standard, energy efficient and above all truly affordable. Instead, as our nation’s long-standing housing crisis deepens, the Prime Minister recently caved in to pressure from Conservative MPs, pulling a vote on legislation that would have set a target of building these much needed 300,000 homes per year.

“Affordable housing is urgently needed in Bath. So many who carry out vital work in our city cannot afford to live here. Just over a year ago, my Liberal Democrat colleagues on B&NES Council approved the decision to develop a number of council-owned properties and sites as 100 per cent affordable council housing schemes.

“I am delighted that tenants will soon be moving into their new homes on Newbridge Hill within walking distance of their workplaces.”

Cllr Kevin Guy, Liberal Democrat Leader of B&NES Council said:

“The delivery of 117 Newbridge Road is the next step in our council house building programme. The seven flats there have been designated for NHS key workers. This is a sustainable solution which will enable staff at the RUH to walk to work.

“We look forward to providing more affordable housing options for those residents who are unable to compete on the open market and might otherwise be forced to leave the area to reside and work elsewhere.”