Plans to boost the number of affordable homes being built in West Oxfordshire have been unveiled by the district council.

Through its housing register, West Oxfordshire District Council found that more than 2,000 households in the district are in need of affordable housing, and has committed itself to delivering 274 affordable homes each year up until 2031.

The council said it would strengthen its relationship with partners such as Oxfordshire County Council, Cottsway, OxPlace, and Homes England, as well as seeking new relationships with other organisations.

Oxford Mail: Cllr leader Andy Graham and Cllr Geoff Saul

It will also recruit a specialist expert with Cotswold District Council to deliver homes in both districts.

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Councillor Geoff Saul, executive member for housing and social welfare, said: “Access to a comfortable and practical place to live is not a luxury, but rather a fundamental right.

“The supply of affordable housing across the district has been steadily declining over the years, which has forced some residents into accommodation totally unsuited to their needs.

"This, coupled with the fact that in 2021, house prices in West Oxfordshire stood at a staggering 11.4 times the average earnings, has highlighted the severity of the housing crisis we are faced with.

“However, we know the national planning system simply isn't doing enough to match the scale of our ambitions, which is why we're teaming up with Cotswold District Council and other organisations to explore what we could possibly do, including building homes ourselves.”

The council said it will explore the possibility of developing its own affordable homes on council-owned land, offering more rental and shared ownership options.