ONE of York’s MPs has given his support to a family struggling to take their first steps on the property ladder to highlight the city’s shortage of affordable housing.

Hugh Bayley, who represents York Central, met Jodie and Karl Cassidy and their baby daughter, Betsy.

They are living with Jodie’s mother at her Fulford home because they cannot afford their own place.

Mr Bayley and Labour’s Fishergate ward candidates at next month’s local elections, Dan Sidley and Kristina Blenkharn, said York’s housing outlook was “bleak” and they were “disappointed” rival parties on City of York Council want to keep house-building targets down.

Jodie’s mother, Liz Pitts, said: “Jodie and Karl need their own space to raise their daughter, but with 3,700 people on the council’s waiting list, they will be waiting for a long, long time.

“York needs more housing, not less, and I am glad Mr Bayley and Labour candidates for Fishergate are taking the problem seriously.”

Mr Sidley said: “One of the biggest challenges in the very near future for York families will be the lack of affordable housing, and the Labour plan for 800 affordable homes within the city would have undoubtedly boosted the local economy and provided more jobs.”

Mr Bayley also met residents in the Westfield ward, together with his party’s local candidates Dafydd Williams, Steve Burton and Lynn Jefferies, to discuss vandalism and anti-social behaviour problems in the Kingsway West area.