Talk of an election will not slow Government’s commitment to affordable homes, according to Housing Minister Sen. David Burch.

Sen. Burch, as well as Steven Todd of the Bank of Butterfield and Rodney Smith, a consultant to the Minister, were speaking at a housing meeting for all Warwick voters held by Minister of Social Rehabilitation, Dale Butler.

More than 60 people filled the halls to have their concerns addressed about housing on the Island and Sen. Burch attempted to allay these saying plans for affordable housing would continue.

“We are not pausing for an election to see if we get back in. Not being a Minister I don’t have the distraction of having to canvass for re-election. We are working frankly on this.”

The Minister also encouraged the audience to register for affordable housing even if there are no projects advertised by the corporation because “If you’re not listed we can’t plan for you.”

Those attending the meeting at St. Mary’s Hall in Warwick received advice on how to get a mortgage and how to save money. Mr. Todd encouraged the audience to go to the Bank to get pre-approval for a mortgage before looking at homes because if someone is trying to sell a property they are not going to wait for your mortgage approval to come through.

After handing out a basket for what Mr. Butler termed “fundraising for advertising” Rodney Smith quickly gained everyone’s attention for advice on saving money after eight participants ripped open envelopes to find money inside.

One young man did not, but Mr. Smith comforted him saying: “He received the most important thing of all because he has a blank piece of paper where he can write a plan. “The most successful people have a written plan. Take a notebook and write down every penny you are spending and find out what’s happening with your money.”