THE foundations for building affordable housing in the city are finally being laid in the city council’s budget.

For too long there has been a stagnation in its building programme, as landlords cashed in on soaring demand and rising house prices.

People who have been brought up in communities have been forced to move away from where they were raised as they cannot afford the rent.

The city population has been bursting at the seams, with the neighbouring district councils catching the overspill.

The resulting commuting masses have clogged the roads, while our health service and schools have struggled to recruit as potential employees have decided to locate where they can afford to live.

Plans for 485 homes over the next 10 years could go some way to rectify at least part of these problems. But it is still way short of the 32,000 homes needed by 2031, according to the Government’s housing assessment.

And while those struggling to get on the housing ladder will welcome the news of much-needed housing, it comes at a cost.

Council tax and rent will increase for some residents, while an educational attainment programme will be axed. City council car park rates will go up and leisure centre costs will increase, too.

Hopefully, the housing will lead to the continued economic prosperity of the city that will, in time, held to re-address the rises.

Otherwise plenty will wonder if the cost is worth the result.