Are we building the right type of housing?

I have just obtained the latest housing register figures for West Dorset, dated Sept 2020, which show it has risen above 2,000.

There are now 2,055 on the waiting list.

In Dorchester, which is my area, there are 699 waiting for accommodation.

The main point is this comprises the following.

Single person requiring one bed or studio 304.

Couple requiring one bed home 84.

Family requiring two bed home 198.

It is perfectly obvious that there is an acute need for one bedroom flats?

There is not a lot in the pipeline either?

This shortage needs addressing with an urgency.

We don’t need luxury homes and flats; we need local housing which addresses the local need.

BARRY THOMPSON

Chair, Dorchester & District Labour Party, Dorchester