FORMER South Dorset MP Jim Knight is among politicians calling for action to tackle the region’s housing crisis.

Lord Knight has joined a new all-party Parliamentary group known as the South West Housing Initiative Parliamentary Group for Housing which aims to meet the need for more housing, including affordable homes.

It will examine the growing affordability gap between average earnings and average house prices, and a large number of under-used existing homes – including one of Britain’s highest proportions of second homes.

The move is being spearheaded by the South West Housing Initiative (SWHI), a partnership of housebuilders, housing associations, housing and planning professionals and other businesses.

Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole Annette Brook has also joined the group.