A leading North East housing association has slammed the ' disappointing and concerning' lack of strategy from PM hopefuls Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss after their hustings in Darlington.

As Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss talked at the Darlington Hippodrome, it was a chance for both to reiterate their pitches to members, and face questions.

Read more: Rishi Sunak vs Liz Truss: What we learnt from Darlington debate

The main talk of the night was about the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy bills, but Alan Smith, Executive Director of Investment, Growth and Performance at County Durham-based housing association believe housing, told us after the event: “In light of the ongoing cost of living crisis, and the forecast that fuel bills are likely to rise to even higher levels than those forecast and remain high, it is disappointing and concerning that there was no clear strategy on how help will be provided to households in need quickly and directly.

"Levels of debt already indicate the huge problem households are already facing and action is needed now to help alleviate this and give some comfort that people and families will be able to heat their homes.

"Deflecting this to the current government and making vague promises that won’t be actioned until the winter is here will only add to the stress that millions are already experiencing.

"At believe housing we offer extensive support for our customers and we’re taking extra steps to help those most at need, now and throughout the difficult times ahead. But this won’t be enough, a national coordinated response is urgently needed to avert this crisis.”

Believe is one of the largest housing associations in the North East, putting tenants at the heart of what they do over 862 square miles.

When they decided to join The Northern Echo's Level Up campaign, Alan told us: “We support communities and the people that live in our communities and the whole Level Up agenda is very much about those life opportunities. So raising a voice for housing and having vital collaborations with agencies that all support communities, the region and the economy is where believe belongs.”

 

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