Affordable homes crisis revealed

More than 400 new affordable homes are needed in the South Lakeland area of Cumbria to help retain the area's population, a new report reveals.

South Lakeland District Council says more long-distance commuters are relocating to the area from major conurbations like Manchester.

The research also highlights the massive increase in house prices, which hits many potential first-time buyers.

The report calls for more government help to provide vital housing.

Lib Dem MP for Westmoreland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, recently told the House of Commons that the average income for parts of Cumbria was £16,000 a year, against average house prices of about £200,000.

The latest South Lakeland Council reports says potential home buyers in the dales areas of Sedbergh and Dent are amongst the hardest hit.

The government has already said 50% of new homes outside the Lake District National Park and 100% within would be secured for social housing.