In 2001, Cymuned said that we were facing a housing crisis.

• As usual, the politicians tried to fudge the issue. But by now, everyone knows it's true:

• Spiralling house prices are ripping the hearts out of our communities,

• and greedy developers are making fortunes while our young people can't find homes.

It's time for a change.

Let's not kid ourselves - we can't build a better country unless we're prepared to work for it. But if you've got the drive, we've got a way forward that can make a real difference.

Two things have to change:

• We need a political shift,

• and we need local action.

Community Land Trusts

We can show you how to set up and run a Community Land Trust, where the community takes ownership of its own resources, and uses them to build affordable homes for local people. Successful community land trusts can also choose to invest in local amenities and in encouraging old and new local businesses - and they bring more key decisions back where they belong, in the hands of the people.

Political change

The current planning system isn't working - draw a line around a community, and let developers build what the market will support. If you want government support for affordable homes, you've got to prove the local need!

That's the wrong way round. New houses should only be built if local people need them - the National Park in Yorkshire has worked that out, and it's time for our county councils to follow suit.

For the price of a pint a month, you can help us spread the word about Community Land Trusts, and you can help us lobby Government for the necessary policy changes.

If you want to get more closely involved, we can give you hands-on, practical support to get your own community land trust up and running - and step by step, you'll be helping to put local decisions back into local hands.

Click here to start making a difference.

I want to do my bit! (click here to become a member)