ONE of the most pressing problems facing York is affordable housing. The city's homes crisis is worsening.

As property prices spiral even further out of most people's reach, more and more families cannot fund a mortgage for even the most basic home.

Meanwhile, privately rented accommodation is becoming very expensive. Last month we revealed that rents had shot up by at least ten per cent, partly fuelled by the extra demand caused by a soaring divorce rate.

These conditions mean many more families are being added to the thousands already on York's waiting list for affordable rented property. There has never been more pressure on the council's housing stock.

That is why we must welcome moves to invest nearly £10 million in housing projects. This money should see ageing, tatty homes brought up to clean, modern standards, and repairs undertaken faster.

As a landlord, City of York Council has a mixed record. Four years ago it won Beacon status from the Government for its housing modernisation programme.

More recently, a row has broken out between the Lib Dem council rulers and Labour opposition about alleged cuts to the Tenant's Choice maintenance programme.

We hope the 2005/2006 investment programme will bring York's homes back up to Beacon status.

On such foundations the city must build an affordable housing policy which can tackle the challenges created by our crazy property market.

Updated: 09:43 Thursday, December 23, 2004