Member

Bear in mind that these are very scarce properties that are heavily subsidised by mainstream taxation in the first place, so I do think it is fair for us to look at that as an issue that at least needs to be reviewed, because we all accept that there has been a shortage of council house building over the years. My noble friend Lord Fuller would contest that that is not the case in south Norfolk, where he was leader of the council, but in most local authorities that has been the case. If we are focusing through the prism of fairness and equity, we have to accept that we have a duty to our own citizens, to working families, working people, and not to warehouse welfare dependency. That does not presuppose that we lock out everyone born abroad; this is not what that amendment is about.