Ruth Kelly accused of 'breathtaking hypocrisy' over housing policy » Housing » 24dash.com

Accessibility Menu

Ruth Kelly accused of 'breathtaking hypocrisy' over housing policy

Published by webmaster for 24dash.com in Housing
Thursday 11th May 2006 - 9:00am

Ruth Kelly accused of 'breathtaking hypocrisy' Ruth Kelly accused of 'breathtaking hypocrisy'

Other Housing stories

The new communities minister Ruth Kelly has been accused of breathtaking hypocrisy after declaring war on "nimbyism" - while opposing the building of more than a thousand homes in her Bolton constituency.

Ms Kelly said householders being "protective of their own space" and opposing new council house building must be "rooted out".

But it emerged that the MP has helped to block a series of housing developments in her Bolton West constituency.

They are believed to have been applications to put up at least 1,600 homes.

Just last week she opposed the building of a new social housing development in Bolton for poor families.

Former Education Secretary Ms Kelly, appointed in the reshuffle to minister for communities and local government, said building more affordable social housing would be a personal priority in her new job.

She also indicated she wants to change planning laws to smooth the way for new developments.

But local councillor Alan Rushton, leader of Bolton Council's Conservative group, said: "I think her behaviour is a bit rich.

"She was representing her electorate's views but she will have to change that point of view now.

"I would like to see her reaction to a similar proposal now. If she makes the case and says, 'I got it all wrong. I want housing everywhere now', I think she would face a few fireworks in Bolton."

Copyright Press Association 2006.

Comments

No comments yet...

Be the first and post your views below.

Please Login to comment

To comment you must be logged in. You can either Login or Register

Latest jobs

RMN Mental Health Nurse

Rate:
Type: Permanent
Location: West Midlands

Occupational Health Advisor, Birmingham F/T

Rate:
Type: Permanent
Location: West Midlands

Occupational Health Advisor, Doncaster

Rate:
Type: Permanent
Location: North East

RMN,Registered Mental Health Nurses

Rate:
Type: Permanent
Location: North West


Find and search more jobs in our Jobs Section...

Latest 24dash poll

Should social housing professionals expect a pay rise during 2010?


Previous polls

Latest blog posts

Paul OBrien

"Surviving in the local government ‘Hurt Locker’"

Published by Paul OBrien

Reading press reports about Kathryn Bigelow’s film ‘The Hurt Locker’ scooping six Oscars at the 82nd...

Lynne Featherstone MP

"Better battery recycling in Haringey"

Published by Lynne Featherstone MP

Here's my latest column for the Muswell Hill Flyer and the Highgate Handbook: I try to be good with recycling – but...

jonathonporritt

"The war of words over home-produced electricity feed-in tariffs could cost dearly"

Published by jonathonporritt

On March 2nd, Guardian columnist George Monbiot launched an extraordinary attack on feed-in tariffs and on solar...