HIGH house prices, rising rents and a lack of affordable housing are making living in Wiltshire a tough proposition for low and middle income families, according to a report.

South West Home Truths 2011 was launched by The National Housing Federation this week, warning of a ‘broken housing market’ in the region.

The federation found that average house prices across the county have reached £244,345, more than 12 times the average individual income of £20,197.

South West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison attended the launch in London on Wednesday, among other MPs from the region.

Fleur de Rhe Philipe, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for economic regeneration and spatial planning, said: “We understand these concerns and are aware of these issues.

“The proposed number of new homes outlined in the draft Wiltshire Core Strategy is based on the amount of people who will need housing by 2026.

“However, we are working with communities to strike a balance so young people can afford to live in the communities they have grown up in and older people can have housing which meets their needs.”

With private sector rents also increasing, saving for a deposit has become even harder, the report claims, as the gross annual income needed to secure a mortgage in Wiltshire stands at £52,360.

“This year’s Home Truths report shows that, despite a deep recession, house prices in the South West remain out of reach for thousands of households,” said federation regional manager Jenny Allen.

“Lack of supply is at the root of the problem. Ministers need to act now to implement a range of measures to turn the tide on the current housing crisis, ensuring homes continue to be built at scale in the region, that affordable housing options remain, and that housing is properly regulated across all sectors.”