Sir, – The key issue underpinning my call for an exemption to the Government’s housing policy, giving the right to buy to housing association tenants and the auctioning of the highest value council houses, for communities of under 2000 is the doom these policies will bring for their bright future.

Why?

The Government’s promise of a one-for-one replacement has been proved nationally to be hollow with just one house replaced for every ten sold. Do you think these will be built in small rural communities?

The lack of social housing at affordable rents for those brought up locally will accelerate the already serious exodus of young families from our midst. You also lose the capability to accommodate the necessary churn to keep a rural community viable - those moving in, on or out, family break-ups, key workers arriving to keep the local economy going or supporting public services as teachers or carers.

Please do not blame those who buy - why would they wish to look the Government’s gift house (at around £70,000) in the mouth, but each house sold sadly represents a nail in the coffin for the future of their local community. A case of the few making it impossible for the many that will in the position they once were, seeking a social rented property so they can remain living locally.

Cllr Peacock fought to secure the housing association properties in Bainbridge and Askrigg, so in her rambling response at the council she has changed her tune. Cllr Thornton-Berry voted for my proposal at the Dales National Park meeting where it was overwhelmingly approved, and voted against it at Richmondshire District Council.

All the Conservatives bar one voted my proposal down in what was clearly a whipped vote, as several represent rural communities containing housing association properties. Clearly promoting the party line for all these Councillors finds them sacrificing their principles and/or the right of their local communities to a bright future. The statistics show 763 on the RDC waiting list for rented housing, and for the 35 properties available in the last three months there were 851 bids. In Hawes a vacant housing association property attracted a total of 15 bids from those with a local connection wanting to occupy it.

What will these people do when there is no opportunity left for them to live in their homeland ??

Councillor John Blackie, Hawes