One in three people in the Basildon district cannot afford get on to the property ladder, a survey has revealed.

The Housing Needs Survey by Basildon Council looks at the current housing situation in the district and is used by the authority to decide how to improve the housing in the future.

The council believes the survey will "strengthen its hand" when it comes to persuading developers to include affordable housing within future housing plans.

The survey showed that:

13 per cent of residents do not think that their home is adequate for their needs

35 per cent of households have a net monthly income of less than £916, the level required for a £70,000 property - the average cost of a one-bedroom flat in Basildon

25 per cent of households have one or more residents with a limiting long-term illness, health problem or disability

70 per cent of private renters pay more than £438 a month

A spokesman for the council said: "Large rises in house prices since the last study have increased the number of people who are unable to buy a home outright on the open market.

"When considering future housing and planning strategies the council will need to ensure that any house building which takes place will reflect the requirements of the people of the district."

Published Tuesday, June 24, 2003

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