A higher percentage of people in North Norfolk own their homes outright than anywhere else in the country, it has been revealed.
Recently released data from the Census carried in 2021 shows 48.6pc of households in North Norfolk are owned outright.
It puts the district ahead of Rother in East Sussex (48.4pc), Staffordshire Moorlands (48.2pc) and Ceredigion in mid-Wales (47.9pc).
And, although the figures point to North Norfolk’s status as a magnet for retirees, they also highlight the lack of homes available on the private rental market.
Wendy Fredericks, the district council’s cabinet member for housing and benefits, said: “I think it's because we have the oldest demographic in the country and North Norfolk is an amazing place to retire.
“But on the flip side, we desperately need to house more homeless families. Private rent is incredibly expensive and in short supply. Also, landlords are facing a huge increase in their interest repayments.”
Ms Fredericks revealed there were between 55 and 59 ‘homeless households’ in North Norfolk at any one time.
She added: “I’m passionate about getting good quality accommodation for those households in communities where there is work, schools and support networks, rather than relying on B&B accommodation.
"We’ve just completed 18 temporary accommodation homes, which is wonderful, but I’d really like to see more.”
Ms Federicks claimed ‘nutrient neutrality’ laws introduced last year to protect waterways and a decrease in the level of New Homes Bonus Payments from the government had been further stumbling blocks.
She said: “There just aren’t enough affordable houses in North Norfolk, even though we’re in the top five authorities in the country for providing affordable housing.
“We are still desperate for land because the authority doesn’t have its own land. We need landowners to come forward who have got a real desire to help communities".
The five local authorities with the lowest percentages of outright home ownership were all in London, led by Tower Hamlets (7.8pc).
London also tops the list of areas with the highest proportion of rented social housing.
The council with the highest proportion outside the capital is Norwich, with 30.3pc.
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