The shortage of real, affordable homes is a pressing issue for our Island and one that that requires multifaceted solutions, creative approaches, and determination to overcome the financial constraints that have been holding us back for far too long.

We must find a way of getting these houses built simply to provide homes for our upcoming families and younger people, those wanting to start out on the housing ladder and those struggling to find a house to live in. Rented or bought.

As an Island, we are not seeking to over build, to simply put-up houses wherever we can, at any price.

We are looking to find ways of providing houses for the demand from Island residents.

Isle of Wight County Press:

That means, where possible, a mixture of truly affordable houses, to rent or to buy, preferably in smaller developments designed to meet all the demands of net zero, sustainable properties. And built with Islanders primarily in mind.

Indeed, we need to make certain that Islanders do come first for these homes and ensure that we are not building homes specifically that attract people moving to the Island, usually to retire.

It is a complicated financial conundrum but one we have started to make happen this year.

In our 2024/25 Budget, we set aside £2m to be spent on providing houses.

That figure is due to increase to £5m shortly following the completion agreement of a capital windfall for a recently finished large development. But that is just the start.

We are publishing a list of non-greenfield sites (usually referred to as brownfield sites) next week – about 20 sites in total - which the council will make available across a range of providers, and in partnership, delivering a range of houses.

We are in talks with temporary housing providers, modular home providers, traditional builders, developers, and agents, all from the private sector, housing association providers and more to get the houses built and provided.

We have been in talks with rent to buy scheme providers and already planning for socially rented homes to be made available. We are determined to provide these homes at an affordable price wherever and whenever possible.

The Council is faced with many hurdles to overcome right across the services we deliver.

Adult Social Care is an enormous strain on finances where almost 70 per cent of our total budget goes on that provision alone.

However, our focus must be to the future and to those seeking a house to live in.

Using all our skills and creativity I am committed entirely to getting these houses built for those needing a home.

No longer can we listen to those denying our Islanders a chance or an opportunity.

Action is going to be the key word I am using in the corridors of County Hall. Action and delivery and without delay. Change is a’coming.