DELAYS in fast-tracking rules to ensure York gets more affordable housing in new developments were today branded "unacceptable".

Labour opposition housing spokeswoman Ruth Potter demanded action after there was a further hold-up in getting a 50 per cent affordable housing quota agreed in principle by City of York Council.

As property prices in the city continue to spiral, Coun Potter accused the ruling Liberal Democrats of letting down families by not pressing ahead with the policy.

Council leader Steve Galloway said Labour should stop sniping and back current developments that will provide cheaper accommodation.

But Coun Potter told the Evening Press: "People need these houses now and we need action now to make it happen."

She added: "This is something the whole council is supposed to agree on.

"But when it comes to getting the new rules adopted, which would mean we could get twice as much affordable housing whenever new developments come forward, the Lib Dems just don't seem to see the urgency."

In April she put a motion to the council calling for the new guidelines to be dealt with urgently.

She said her request was deferred to last week's meeting of the Green Belt Working Group, but was again put off until the committee next meets on August 2.

Coun Potter said months of delays were "totally unacceptable" and were "letting down a lot of York families".

She added: "The Lib Dems just don't seem to be listening." But Coun Galloway said the council's Green Belt Working Group had been busy dealing with Local Plan land allocations to meet future housing demand.

"It's important to get that right and that means we now get 3,000 homes in the York Central site."

Coun Galloway said he found it "extraordinary" that Coun Potter was criticising the Lib Dems' affordable housing policy after the Labour group opposed housing plans at the proposed new Barbican.

The project includes provision for 60 low-cost units, but faces further possible delays after opponents called for a public inquiry.

"They could have been well on the way to seeing the light of day now," the council leader added. "Labour should be concentrating their efforts on what can be done now to help ease housing pressure."

Updated: 08:48 Tuesday, June 08, 2004