A recent remark by a Cotswold councillor referring to affordable housing as being for “poor people” has ignited calls for a public apology and raised concerns about outdated and stigmatizing language.
During a Cotswold District Council meeting discussing plans for 30 homes in Willersey near Broadway, Liberal Democrat Councillor Nick Bridges (Watermoor) expressed worries about the placement of affordable housing on land vulnerable to flooding. He said, “I’m guessing that the houses underneath the blue triangle are the affordable houses for poor people. And I’m guessing that is the land most at risk of water tables rising and surface flooding. It does seem a bit unfair that we’re potentially giving affordable housing to people who have very little choice in terms of moving.”
The comments quickly drew criticism from Conservative councillors Tom Stowe (Campden and Vale) and Laura Hall-Wilson (Tetbury with Upton), who formally complained to the council leader, Mike Evemy (Siddington and Cerney Rural). In their letter, they highlighted how such language, rooted in outdated and Dickensian views, can unintentionally stigmatize residents facing challenging circumstances.
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“Residents in affordable housing include working families, older adults on fixed incomes, care workers, young starters, and those struggling with rising housing costs,” the letter stated. “These individuals contribute significantly to the community and should not be diminished by how they are publicly described. We ask that Cllr Bridges retract his statement and issue an apology. Public trust grows when leaders show respect in their language about the people they represent.”
Cllr Hall-Wilson expressed disappointment at the “stigmatising language” used by the Lib Dems. “I understand Cllr Bridges has been spoken to and I hope he will choose his words more carefully in future,” she said.
Defending Councillor Bridges, leader Mike Evemy pointed out that Bridges represents a ward with considerable social housing and understands the diverse backgrounds of its residents. Evemy also criticized the Conservatives for raising the issue, referencing the impact of previous government policies on low-income groups.
“Cllr Bridges lives in and represents an area with much social housing, and neighbours a wide range of people who live in rented homes,” Evemy said. “It is rather rich of the Conservatives to highlight this matter, given their government’s record on austerity, Brexit, and economic decisions that disproportionately affected those on the lowest incomes.”
The debate underscores the sensitivity surrounding the language elected officials use when discussing housing and community issues, emphasizing the need for respectful and inclusive discourse.