Press Releases for 2005
HOUSING FOR ALL: Canterbury
21 April 2005Kent Green Party wrote to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott on 21st February 2005. The Party asked Mr Prescott to provide councils with the resources to bring empty properties throughout Kent and Medway into use. He has not replied. Typically, councils have no more than one empty homes officer who pursues property owners to bring empty property into use. Kent Green Party believes that the Government should provide sufficient resources for each district council or Unitary Authority within Kent to have at least two empty property officers. The latest empty property figures (1) show a minimum of 21478 empty homes in Kent. These are distributed as follows: Ashford 1343; Canterbury 1093; Dartford 1097; Dover 2186; Gravesham 1283; Maidstone 1160; Sevenoaks 965; Shepway 2447; Swale 914; Thanet 3728; Medway 2900; Tonbridge and Malling 1252; Tunbridge Wells 1110.
Dr Geoff Meaden, Green Party candidate for Canterbury, comments:
"Housing is a basic need, but is not featuring in the General Election campaign. New housing is being built, but does not meet a lot of local demand as it is too expensive. The Green Party has offered John Prescott an inexpensive route away from the Government's record of rising homelessness. He has not even replied. Empty properties and unused brownfield sites could be used to meet local housing demand. A decent home is a need for everyone, Mr Prescott." ENDS c228 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Geoff Meaden on 01227 456806. Contact address as above. Address as above or alternate contact Steve Dawe, Press Officer, on 01233 645167 or 07747 036192. CANDIDATES PUBLIC MEETINGS INCLUDE: April 25th - 4.00 pm - Students Union - Canterbury Christ Church University College. (Organised by the CCCUC students) April 29th - 7.00 pm - Old Sessions House - Canterbury Christ Church University College. (organised by Mike Walling). May 1st - 6.30 pm - St Mary Bredin Church, Canterbury. (Organised by the vicar - promises 200 of the congregation will be there!) Notes: 1. From the Empty Homes Agency: http://www.emptyhomes.com/resources/factsfigures/homeless/sehome.htm
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