Bright Blue calls for the Government to take bolder action to fix the housing crisis in Britain, which is hurting young people the most.
Bright Blue is calling on the Government to:
- Force local authorities to release some Green Belt land for house building. In return, councils should ensure that the stock of natural capital in other areas is increased.
- Significantly reduce stamp duty and enable councils to introduce higher Council Tax Bands on more expensive properties.
- Improve the quality of homes for younger generations by insisting no homeowner should sell their house without achieving a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating.
Commenting, the director of Bright Blue, Ryan Shorthouse, said:
“The Government is taking steps in the right direction, but we need bolder action if we are to fix the housing crisis in Britain, which is hurting young people the most.
“More houses desperately need building, including on the Green Belt. The idea that all Green Belt land is worth preserving is ridiculous and not rooted in reality. The Government should force local authorities, where there is a proven need for additional housing and local authorities cannot and do not meet housebuilding targets through their Local Plans, to release some Green Belt land for building. In return, councils should ensure that the stock of natural capital in other areas is increased, for instance, through tree planting or creating new nature reserves for wildlife.
“Banning unjustifiable estate agency fees on private renters is the right move to help people in the growing private rented sector. But more radical policies are now needed to boost the number of secure and high-quality homes for private renters.
“To help first-time buyers on the housing ladder, the Government should substantially reduce Stamp Duty and instead allow Local Authorities to increase Council Tax on more expensive properties.
“Improving the quality of homes for current and future generations should be a top priority for Government. Making homes more energy efficient is part of this. No homeowner should therefore be able to sell their house without achieving a minimum rating on their Energy Performance Certificate.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For further media enquiries, please contact our Communications Manager of Bright Blue, Laura Round, on laura@brightblue.org.uk or 07543759844.
