HOUSE prices in Cumbria are too high for young people to work viably, according to residents.

This comes after an MP has told ministers to ‘get a grip’ on the staffing ‘crisis’ after it was revealed that more than 60 per cent of Cumbrian businesses could not operate fully due to shortages.

On the floor of the House of Commons yesterday, MP Tim Farron said lack of affordable housing and current visa provisions are contributing to the workforce ‘crisis’ that is proving a ‘major threat’ to businesses in Cumbria.

Speaking during Treasury Oral Questions in Parliament, Mr Farron said: “I hope that the minister is aware that one of the problems facing small and medium sized employers in Cumbria and elsewhere certainly in rural Britain is a serious lack of workforce."

Stephen Hewitt agreed. He said: "The answer is for the Government to help housing associations build new estates across the county. Rent held at £100 and the properties only for genuine locals born and raised here. About 1000 homes would be enough."

Loz Calkin replied: "Who is daft enough to buy the land, get planning, build the homes, then make a massive loss on low rents?

"Now, if they stuck a load of half-decent statics in a field - the ones holiday parks throw away after a a few years - then it could work. Spend a bit making them nice and offer these on a small plot of land."

Deborah Wylde said: "Going through Kendal, I noticed what appears to be quite a lot of space over shops which is unused. Could these spaces not be turned into apartments?"

Getting the Balance said: “Youngsters won't work evenings or weekends because it's anti-social and there aren't any local people left to take the rest of the jobs.

"They have been priced out of the area by holiday homes, second homes and Airbnbs.”