Took backing Shelter's campaign to end bad housing for children

10.49.34am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 17th Apr 2005

Chris Took, has today backed homelessness charity Shelter in signing up to a campaign for more new affordable homes in Ashford.

Chris made the pledge after Shelter revealed that 140,000 children in the South East are suffering in bad housing. Chris is calling on local people to sign up to the campaign at www.shelter.org.uk/signup

Shelter's Million Children Campaign aims to persuade politicians to tackle Britain's housing crisis. The charity's recent report, Generation Squalor, reveals that over a million children are growing up homeless or trapped in cold, damp and overcrowded homes. These children are suffering from serious health problems and struggling in school as a result of bad housing. Shelter is calling on election candidates to make a pledge to campaign for new affordable homes if they are elected.

Chris Took said "I am pleased to add my support to Shelter's Million Children Campaign, and if I am elected, I will campaign for extra investment in new affordable homes. Kent Liberal Democrat's are committed to ensuring that at least 40% of new housing is deemed affordable."

Welcoming Chris' support for the campaign, Director of Shelter, Adam Sampson said: "Housing is fundamental in shaping a child's life and future prospects. It is time for politicians to show a real commitment to improving the life chances of the million children trapped in bad housing. We are delighted that Chris Took has made Shelter's housing pledge to voters in the Ashford constituency."