THE latest moves to provide affordable housing for key workers have been attacked as "totally inadequate" by local public sector staff.

Under the starter homes initiative, a Government grant of £840,000 will be released over the next two years. Public sector workers will be able to apply for a £10,000 interest free loan.

The announcement came just weeks after a survey revealed property prices in Watford are set to rise by almost 30 per cent over the next five years.

An annual income of at least £30,000 was needed to buy a flat in June 2001. Firefighters currently earn about £20,000 a year.

The starter loans will help 57 teachers, five nurses and 18 social workers/ occupational therapists county wide afford homes.

And the Government cash will be match funded by Hertfordshire County Council, which means each worker can apply to borrow a total of £20,000.

But Leading Firefighter Anthony Horne, said the sum was little more than a gesture.

He said: "My first thought is 'what will £20,000 get you'?"

The Watford officer said five home loans would not be enough to help his own station.

Spreading it across the county meant the impact would be minimal, he said.

June 13, 2002 15:30