EASTLEIGH Council bosses are worried that housing built for shared ownership schemes is lying empty.

Now, the borough's executive Cabinet has agreed to tell the government about their concerns over the effectiveness of schemes aimed at key workers. The problem is that, despite efforts to make owning a home easier for people doing vital lower-paid jobs, many key workers still cannot meet the conditions for shared ownership.

Councillor David Airey said: "We see these places left empty. I think it is criminal."

Council leader Keith House commented: "There is an absolute national scandal tucked away here.

"We know that shared ownership properties are still out of the reach of many people.

"There are literally hundreds and hundreds of newly-built houses that have been lying empty for many months. He said it would not take much government cash to turn shared ownership schemes into homes for rent."