Labour's housing spokesperson is calling upon her Liberal Democrat counterpart Coun. Sue Galloway to support her in a commitment to the provision of affordable housing in the city. Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing says since taking over the housing portfolio, Coun. Galloway has been strangely silent on the issue. She said:

"Over the last six months I have on a number of occasions in the media supported the council's 50% affordable housing policy and defended the principle of affordable housing in York. Developers have been particularly strong in defending their own interests and yet I have not heard or seen in print any defence of the policy from the person now responsible for it".

"I am sure that when talking to Westfield ward residents she must know how much they worry over the provision of affordable housing for their children and grandchildren. I know this is the case in Acomb and across the city. She must also hear from residents about the high rents being paid in the private rented sector (PRS) and the financial difficulties this is causing her residents.

Also for Counc. Galloway to both consider and use in any defence of the Councils affordable housing policy is the ‘Housing Needs Survey. I know she attended its presentation and has been at planning meetings when its importance has been highlighted, and yet she has not used this knowledge'".

Coun. Simpson-Laing is asking that Coun. Sue Galloway publicly defends the affordable housing policy in York as a means to address York's affordable housing crisis and works to ensure that this policy is maintained so that residents see the benefits following the current economic slump.