WINCHESTER councillors are taking a tougher stance on controversial government housing plans.

Westminster plans to relax planning laws, introduce new cut-price 'starter homes' and increase rent for social tenants who earn more than £30,000 a year.

But many Winchester councillors are dismayed at plans to extend the right to buy to housing association tenants. They fear it will strip the city of much-needed social housing.

Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Tod won a motion raising concerns about the bill at overview and scrutiny committee on Monday night.

The committee backed the move despite its in-built Conservative majority.

Labour group leader Cllr Janet Berry said: “The greater the demand for affordable housing in an area such as Winchester, the higher the value of the stock – so the more the chancellor will take. Legislating for ministers to raid the resources of local councils to pay for their policies is a deep disrespect to local democracy and a disgraceful way to treat Winchester."

The issue will now be raised at full council on Wednesday.