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The figures released today by the National Housing Federation make for worrying reading, with home ownership to reach the lowest levels they have been since the 1980s. Whilst some of this is attributable to mortgage availability and life- style change, the crux of the issue is that there just aren't enough homes being built.
If we want to see a more stable housing market, fewer people on social housing waiting lists and prevent an entire generation of young people being priced out of the housing markets; we need to build more affordable homes. It is no surprise that home ownership is at the lowest level since the 1980's, in the year that new home construction is at the lowest levels since the 1920's.
I have written previously about the pivotal role that the Government's National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), will play in allowing a significant increase in home ownership. Whilst I do not endorse growth at any cost, over-riding concerns about sustainability and protected lands, we cannot allow these fears to prevent new homes being built if we are to avoid a housing crisis. The NPPF creates a long- term and effective solution to these twin concerns; promoting growth and local community involvement in planning whilst ensuring that competing considerations on development are addressed.
The housing market crisis predicted by the NHF's report is very real and could be very damaging unless we take action now to create the right environment for an increase in housing construction. The Government is doing its bit with the NPPF and I now call on local authorities, construction companies and the banks to play their part in building affordable homes.
Thatcher dragged everyone into the `home ownership` thing hook,line and sinker.
Now with the new urban trend towards condominiums you couldn't build it yourself if you wanted to and I think that is sad. You either have a highly paid professional job, or are a corporate climber, or you rent. This is going to shut a lot of people out of home ownership or force them to suburban housing. Even then, 99 percent will be company built , not by individuals. Consequently the demand for illegal alien labor will also increase.
I hope you can put a stop to it before your lovely land disappears.
His own discription of himself .
Richard Harrington has been Member of Parliament for Watford since May 2010. Having run a successful property business for over 25 years he has special interest in planning and business policy. He is also a member of the International Development Select Committee.
Then there's New Labours extrodinarily generous, for immigrants, utopian benefits system. As an immigrant replied when asked why he wished to come to UK, "for the free money". He forgot to add, the free housing, as in the Afghani family currently resident close to me, in Ealing, who reside in a multi million pound home funded by, guess who, you & me.
I will not ask why they were allowed into UK, just ask yourself, what does this do to the cost of housing, rents, availability of accomodation. Reduces availability, increases rents, increases property prices, all of which we have seen over the last few years. As a politician writing this diatribe, it's the sort of musings I've come to expect from sad undemocrattic MPs, don't let the facts get in the way of a good sound bite.
I don't suppose the good, hard working law abiding peoples of Watford, wish every piece of available land be built upon, nor made into a replica of a concrete jungle. i doubt you actually asked them, nor sort opinions from them. Usual style of MPs today, is simply tell everyone what they want & need.
Asking the banks to do anything except shaft the punters is like trying to get blood out of a stone.