Mayoral candidates for the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) faced regional housing leaders at a hustings in Bath ahead of polling day on 1st May.
WECA mayoral candidates with Louise Swain | Photo courtesy of Homes for the South West
All six candidates had been invited to the event on Wednesday 16th April and three attended – Helen Godwin (Labour), Oli Henman (Liberal Democrats) and Mary Page (Green Party).
Hosted by Homes for the South West in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Housing Mission Delivery Board, the discussion provided each candidate with an opportunity to present their policy pitch to housing providers, developers, and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Candidates responded to a wide range of questions from moderator and Chair of Homes for the South West, Louise Swain, before the discussion was opened to audience members on topics such as addressing the housing crisis, housing affordability, increased mayoral powers, planning and infrastructure, and the role of skills in supporting the mayor’s housebuilding ambitions.
Louise Swain said: “Housing is not just a policy issue – it’s about people’s lives, opportunities and futures. We need clear commitments and collaborative action from all mayoral candidates so that meaningful progress can be made from day one.
“Homes for the South West is ready to work with the next Mayor to tackle the housing crisis and drive economic growth.
“We’re calling for a fresh approach that unlocks WECA’s potential by using public land for affordable homes, investing in infrastructure, and building the skills needed to deliver thousands of new homes across the region.
“I welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand each candidate’s vision for housing. The next Mayor’s leadership will be key to ensuring that housing in the West of England can meet the needs of the people who live here.
“I look forward to working closely with the new Mayor.”
Victor da Cunha, Chair of the Bath & North East Somerset Council Housing Mission Delivery Board, said: “Our region faces several significant housing issues, including a shortage of social housing, housing unaffordability and rising homelessness.
“As such, it was a great privilege to support Homes for the South West in hosting the only hustings that’s been held in Bath during this campaign, as well as the only hustings entirely dedicated to housing.
“These hustings made clear that people want practical, bold solutions – not just empty promises. I urge the next Mayor to make housing a cornerstone of their next regional vision, underpinned by an ambitious Spatial Development Strategy.
“By prioritising land and planning, skills and placemaking and infrastructure can we start to see systemic change in the region’s challenge areas.”
The other three candidates standing for election to be the next Mayor of the West of England are Arron Banks for Reform UK, Steve Smith for the Conservatives, and independent Ian Scott.
