Cllr Steve Freeman the Lib Dem Housing Spokesman, wrote: ” We need:

• a planning policy that can encourage the development of cheaper homes.  We should be building the homes that people need, not the ones that the developers want to build
• new ‘affordable’ rents that can be charged by housing associations on new build can be up to 80% of market rates.  We believe that these rents are too high for many people looking for a home in Guildford and that a lower level is more appropriate.  I understand that the council is already considering this within housing policy which we welcome.
• housing associations should still have good access to inexpensive loans in areas like Guildford where we have a lower ‘affordable’ rent level.
• to make better use of existing social housing by providing it when people really need it, but giving encouragement and advice to move to ownership or shared ownership when this becomes appropriate.  The council is already doing this via its flexible tenancy model.”

Colleague Cllr Caroline Reeves, added: Young people in Guildford these days have to rent or stay living at home and that means that the rental market simply gets stronger and stronger.We need more “affordable housing” although very little is truly affordable in Guildford for those starting out. Because of the right to buy, our housing stock is so depleted only those in severe need can obtain social housing.

As Liberal Democrats we have always pushed for a higher percentage of social housing as part of any development. I am very pleased that GBC is building more social in the borough for the first time in many years. We need more still.

Conservative Councillor, Richard Billington wrote: “It is no surprise that Guildford ranks alongside Oxford and Cambridge on housing prices as, it is clear from the report that it is one of most desirable parts of the country in which to live. This is due to many factors; location, over eighty percent of Guildford is green belt, but also it has had good Conservative run local government over many years.

Guildford Borough Council provides through its housing services, advice to many first time buyers. “We also try to maintain range of options in affordable housing either rented or shared ownership for people who are unable to buy on the open market. Younger, first time buyers join the housing register which takes into account that they have strong Guildford connections.

“We are also taking direct action as a Council to provide affordable housing by building new ones ourselves. New Road in Gomshall and Lakeside Close in Ash Vale both currently have planning applications in. We are also looking at a number of smaller sites around the Borough in addition to this.

“At the last election the Conservatives promised to work hard to bring empty homes back into use and since October 2011 So far we have brought 98 empty homes back into use.

“But there can be no room for complacency. Any area needs a mix of properties and affordable housing is vital. Guildford Borough Council remains committed to social house development and seeks to add this wherever possible”