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A REMINDER!

PLEASE SUPPORT THE MEETING ON JUNE 29TH

May I remind any of you who is concerned about the shortage of homes in Haslemere that are truly affordable for the young or those employed locally to attend the public meeting at 8:00pm at the Haslemere Museum on June 29th. Repeatedly we hear the valid complaint that the so-called "affordable" housing included in commercial developments is not truly affordable for those on local salaries and, even if it is when first sold, it ceases to be so as soon as it is resold on the open market. Since the recent legislation requiring housing associations to offer tenants the right to buy there is only one way for a community to keep control of the pricing or rent of housing for future generations and that is to form a community land trust (CLT). CLTs are specifically exempt from the right to buy, can build homes both for rent and for sale and, crucially, can control both future sale prices and future rents indefinitely.

At the meeting on the 29th we will hear from an expert how it can be done and will be seeking volunteers to join a steering group to get the ball rolling. This is a wonderful opportunity for our town but it will only happen if a sufficient number of volunteers get together and make it happen. Haslemere has had an outstanding record of volunteering in the past. This is a challenge to the current generation to step forward to help the younger and less affluent members of our community and, in the process, help to protect the vitality and diversity of our local economy.

Stewart Brown,

Chairman Haslemere Vision