[WECA mayoral candidates with Louise Swain]
WECA Metro Mayor candidates Helen Godwin (Labour), Oli Henman (Liberal Democrats) and Mary Page (Green Party) set out their visions for housing in the region at a recent public hustings event held in Bath.
Hosted by Homes for the South West in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Housing Mission Delivery Board, the discussion provided each candidate with an opportunity to present their policy pitch to a roomful of representatives from the local housing industry.
Candidates responded to a wide range of questions from moderator and Chair of Homes for the South West, Louise Swain, before opening the discussion to audience members on topics such as addressing the housing crisis, housing affordability, increased mayoral powers, planning and infrastructure, and the role of skills in supporting the mayor’s housebuilding ambitions.
Louise said: “Housing is not just a policy issue – it’s about people’s lives, opportunities and futures. We need clear commitments and collaborative action from all mayoral candidates so that meaningful progress can be made from day one.
“Homes for the South West is ready to work with the next mayor to tackle the housing crisis and drive economic growth. We’re calling for a fresh approach that unlocks WECA’s potential by using public land for affordable homes, investing in infrastructure, and building the skills needed to deliver thousands of new homes across the region.
“I welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand each candidate’s vision for housing. The next mayor’s leadership will be key to ensuring that housing in the West of England can meet the needs of the people who live here. I look forward to working closely with the new mayor.”
Victor da Cunha, Chair of the Bath & North East Somerset Council Housing Mission Delivery Board, said: “Our region faces several significant housing issues, including a shortage of social housing, housing unaffordability and rising homelessness. As such, it was a great privilege to support Homes for the South West in hosting the only hustings that’s been held in Bath during this campaign, as well as the only hustings entirely dedicated to housing.
“These hustings made clear that people want practical, bold solutions — not just empty promises. I urge the next mayor to make housing a cornerstone of their next regional vision, underpinned by an ambitious Spatial Development Strategy. By prioritising land and planning, skills and placemaking and infrastructure can we start to see systemic change in the region’s challenge areas.”
The hustings event was attended by a wide range of local representatives, including housing providers, developers, and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
All candidates standing in the West of England Mayoral election were invited to the event. Of the six candidates invited, three attended and shared their views on housing.
The election for a new WECA Mayor will be held on May lst.
About Homes for the South West
Homes for the South West is the leading voice for affordable housing in the South West of England. They are a coalition of twelve of the largest housing associations in the region who are committed to tackling the growing shortage of affordable housing that exists not just in WECA but the whole of the South West region.
They currently own more than 250,000 homes, house half a million people and contribute £1bn annually to the local economy. The group is chaired by Louise Swain, Chief Executive of Bristol-based housing association, Alliance Homes.
West of England housing statistics
- Homelessness is rising: There are 1,285 households in WECA currently assessed as owed a duty, and temporary accommodation costs continue to soar. In Bristol alone, the temporary accommodation subsidy gap has risen from £7.2 million in 2021/22 to £12.77 million in 2023/24 and is projected to reach £18.5 million by 2024/25. With 65% of the total value spent on temporary accommodation now unfunded.
- Social housing demand far outstrips supply: Over 32,000 households are currently waiting for a social home across WECA.
- Housing targets are unmet: WECA must deliver 6,240 new homes annually to meet the new government housing targets.
Homeownership is out of reach: The average house price in the West of England is £291,581, far above the national average of £236,838. At 11.3 times the average regional income, this puts homeownership beyond the reach of young families, key workers and many others.
