‘Don’t Forget Existing Council Houses’ in Housing Budget Plans

Our West Lancashire’s alternative housing budget would see the start on plans for a third Revival project in Skelmersdale along with an additional £1 million in measures to better insulate and improve energy efficiency of the current council housing stock.

Cllr Adrian Owens, OWL Group Chairman said, “Labour are focusing almost completely on new house building.  That’s important but in their rush to build on much of Skelemerdale’s green space our existing tenants mustn’t be neglected.  Some of the new town estates and the homes on them still suffer from the poor design and construction when they were originally built.  There are additional funds available and Our West Lancashire would use them.”

He continued, “The Council has declared a climate change emergency and for many of our residents fuel costs are a significant cost.  So, Our West Lancashire would allocate an additional £1 million to insulation and other energy efficiency measures this year.  This will reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills, leaving more money in hard-pressed pockets.  The works themselves would provide a jobs boost locally as the economy recovers after the pandemic.”

The Council Independents would also would commence work on a third revival project in Skelmersdale. This would follow the success of previous revivals at Firbeck and Beechtrees.  Cllr Owens said, “Revival projects are complex because of the mix of privately owned and council owned properties. However, we mustn’t give up on putting right the worst features of the New Town layouts.  Giving homes their own private outdoor space and more traditional street layouts has been a great success at Firbeck and Beechtrees. The council needs to starting planning the next one.”