Tackling the Housing Crisis

saltram meadow

This vital area of policy is something I am committed to and passionate about in the longterm.

Since working as a graduate administrator in the Plymouth City Council Homelessness Team back in 2003, I've been interested in the role housing can play in dealing with a range of issues in society. Having lived in London as a private renter for eleven years and only getting onto the housing ladder here in Plymouth at the age of 39, I am also acutely aware of the issues around affordable housing for local people here in the South West. All that said, I also recognise the importance of the tourism industry to our local economy and the sensitivities around second homes and holiday lets.

Through my role as Chair of Planning Committee (2021-2022) and Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Homes and Communities (2022- ) I have been working to promote the right homes in the right places. Being a member of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan Board alongside colleagues from the South Hams and West Devon and Vice Chair of the Devon Housing Taskforce has also provided an opportunity to ensure we have a joined up approach to planning and homes across the three local Authorities.

 

News

Rebecca secures meeting with Housing Minister

Rebecca asks a question on the first day back in Parliament. In oral questions of the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government today, Rebecca secured a commitment from the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government that he would meet with a delegation from Plymouth to disc

Sherford Survey - share your views before 6th September

New Member of Parliament for South West Devon, Rebecca Smith, is keen to hear from residents of the new town of Sherford. Much has been said in recent weeks about the slow delivery of key local services such as shops, a doctors surgery and the leisure centre.

ITV Westcountry Debate - Immigration, Housing & Local Elections

It was good to join ITV Westcountry's David Wood, Liberal Democrat Peer, Baroness Bakewell and Labour MP, Karin Smyth on the Westcountry Debate yesterday. I was a last minute stand in on this monthly programme and enjoyed debating Rishi Sunak's plans to tackle the small boat crisis, whether holiday

Focus on Housing

As Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities, I've asked if we can shine a light on housing issues locally this week and so will share the series of posts as they go out. Each day, there will be a focus on a different aspect of the issue, the steps being taking to help people and the work being doin

BBC South West Sunday Politics

Good to be on BBC Politics South West this morning (albeit pre-recorded on Friday afternoon). 

We discussed housing challenges relating to the private rented sector, the future of firearms and gun laws following the Keyham shooting inquest and the forthcoming Budget. 

Empty Homes Week

Today is the start of Empty Homes Week 2023. Rebecca spoke to the BBC's Spotlight about a new grant scheme encouraging empty home owners to get their property ready for tenants and let with guaranteed, affordable rent to help tackle the housing crisis. As before, landlords can apply for a loan of

BBC Politics South West

Another visit to the Politics South West sofa this weekend and a range of topics on the agenda - business rates, disposable BBQs, planning reforms and Sir Gary Streeter's retirement announcement.