Telford’s rental housing “crisis” to be put under the spotlight

Organised by Wrekin Landlords Association, the Q and A session with a panel of local politicians and housing experts styled on the successful TV programme, will be held at Lightmoor Hall, Oak Tree Centre, on February 27 at 7pm.

Concerned landlords are organising the event to give the people of Telford a chance to get an answer to their housing concerns.

Wrekin Housing Trust is currently auctioning off scores of rental property across Shropshire used for social housing but investing in newer housing stock to reduce its costs.

Set up in the 1990s, the Trust took over the whole housing stock of the former Wrekin Council which then could no longer afford to provide council houses for rent.

“There is a housing crisis on the horizon and we want to alert the people of Telford to it by holding this Q and A session based on Dimbleby’s Question Time,” said Bernie Lewis, chairman of Wrekin Landlords Association, set up in the mid 1990’s to maintain standards and uphold the interests of both landlords and tenants.

“Questions will be asked on how enough rented accommodation can still be provided at a price people can afford. Everyone is welcome to attend.”

People are urged to email their questions before the event via the website www.wrekinlandlordsassociation.com or hand them in on the evening.

The panel includes prospective Parliamentary candidate Lucy Allen, Councillor Bill McClements, Denis Allen and landlord Paul Spiers. Journalist George Chancellor will sit in the Dimbleby hot seat.

Other issues expected to attract questions are rent controls, three year tenancies, rogue landlords and tenants, the spare room subsidy, letting agents fees and licensing of landlords.

The event runs a day after the “real” Question Time due to be held in Telford on February 26.