New figures highlight housing challenge in North Norfolk

10.27.26pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Aug 2005

New figures released by the Halifax Building Society show that house prices in north Norfolk have gone up 7% in the last year compared to 3% nationally. Over a five year period north Norfolk prices have gone up 175% compared to 85% nationally.

At the same time, Halifax reveals that average weekly earnings in north Norfolk of £448.50, well below the national average of £558.60 (and below the average for the east of England of £606).

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb says that the combination of high property prices and a low wage economy creates very difficult conditions for local families.

"We have an unusual combination of statistics here in north Norfolk - high property prices and low wages. This is in part due to the fact that 10% of our housing stock are second homes. This inevitably pushes prices up and makes it impossible for many local families to afford to buy."

"This increases the importance of getting more affordable homes built for local families - for rent, shared equity and low cost homes to purchase. I want to see greater flexibility in the planning system particularly making use of exception sites on the edge of villages."

Norman Lamb has written again to the District Council highlighting the latest statistics.