An MP has demanded Government act with Bradford Council to help rough sleepers in Shipley.
MP Philip Davies said building expensive developments on greenbelt will not help and the focus must be on affordable housing in and around Bradford city centre.
He said: “There has been a notable increase in the number of rough sleepers in Shipley over the year or so. Can the government set out what it is doing with Bradford Council to try and deal with that issue.”
Speaking in the Commons during Communities and Local Government Questions he added: “In order to help homeless people it is important the Bradford Council develop new housing in cheaper affordable areas in Bradford and not concentrate on building unaffordable housing on the greenbelt in Wharfdale in my constituency.”
Communities Minister Heather Wheeler urged Bradford Council to take control of empty homes to help solve the housing crisis.
She added: “One of the areas where councils would be able to flex their muscles more is to take over empty homes and to look in to properties that are affordable for everybody and it means that communities can stay together and I think that is something Bradford Council ought to do.”