FOOD poverty, unemployment and issues with affordable housing will be discussed at the Oxford Inequality Scrutiny Panel at its second meeting this evening.

At the first meeting on November 24, chairman of the panel and councillor for Barton and Sandhills Van Coulter argued that housing and a lack of available land was the most pressing issue facing the city of Oxford.

Mr Coulter said: “The Oxford Green Belt is not a green belt, it’s a green noose.”

The Inequality Scrutiny Panel has already admitted that, increasingly, people requiring social housing after being declared homeless are placed outside Oxfordshire.

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At tonight’s meeting, the scrutiny panel will be discussing innovative options to tackle the lack of social housing in the area, such as pod housing, as well as social housing schemes that are associated with the new Barton Park estate development, due to start early next year.

The panel will also discuss funding activities and services available to rough sleepers, such as CV writing.

Fuel poverty in Oxford will also be on the agenda, and ways to make houses warmer though thermal efficiency.

The Inequality Scrutiny Panel will meet in the Town Hall, St Aldate’s at 5pm and the meeting is open to the public.

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