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Writer's pictureDavid Buckley

Housing and Homelessness

This article by Julian Richer, posted in The Sunday Times, echoes sentiments you've long held, highlighting a disheartening reality: the pervasive homelessness and housing insecurity gripping our nation. It's a stark reminder of the negligence endured under past administrations. However, instead of dwelling on disappointment, let's channel our energy into constructive action. It's time to demand accountability and work towards a future where every individual has a stable roof over their head.

It’s a binary choice in the next election. Vote for any political party and get more of the same or VOTE Independent to get real change


'Far too many people in this country cannot afford a decent roof over their heads — a growing scandal that is having huge social consequences. I’ve seen this problem worsen, with housing ministers coming and going (15 since 2010!) while little gets done. I’m originally a retailer, but I also have a keen interest in property. We are facing an immense challenge on housing, but I believe there are several important things we might do.

At least eight million people are in housing need, plus millions more in the private rented sector who live with the fear of arbitrary eviction or rents rising beyond their reach. A general election is looming. I’m calling on politicians from all parties to make housing a priority and be ready to take bold decisions.

A new mindset is needed. Good-quality social housing is the best way out of our crisis. Social renting should be a valid option for people from all walks of life. The stock should be well maintained and well managed.

The housing crisis cannot be talked about without a rational and intelligent look at land and planning — and specifically, land value capture.

Planning permission is a state asset and should be priced accordingly. Landowners and developers should pay for it. This way we will find the money for our social housebuilding.

Many other countries do this. But the Scottish Land Commission reported that most of the uplift in UK land values arising from planning permission remains uncaptured by the state.

Capturing it would allow us to replace much-discredited Section 106 agreements, which ask developers to make contributions that benefit the surrounding area. The existing Community Infrastructure Levy should also be updated to charge developers for the full cost of linking their projects to roads, sewerage etc.

Another big elephant in the room, which very few are aware of, is Harold Macmillan’s Land Compensation Act of 1961, which we urgently need to repeal.

Before this legislation came in, local authorities had the power to compulsorily purchase land at existing use value. The 1961 law forces the state to compensate landowners for the potential value. State-built housing schemes were now unaffordable. That is a big (and largely unknown) reason behind the situation we are in now.

Paying landowners existing use value (and I would be perfectly happy with a 100 per cent uplift to farmers for their “inconvenience”) would take a huge cost out of the building equation. Councils would be able to turn on the housing supply tap at scale. Indeed, once built, there would be a huge increase in asset value (profit) for UK Plc.

Here are a selection of points from my manifesto to put things right:

1) There should be priority reform for renters, including:

a) The banning of revenge evictions;

b) The extension of assured short-hold tenancies for up to five years by mutual agreement.

c) Tenants being evicted only for major contract breaches;

d) The statutory inspection of private-sector rental properties, with councils taking tough action against rogue landlords;

2) We need a responsible landlords’ charter or accreditation scheme in the meantime, which would include “voluntary” adherence to the above. I am happy to set this up myself if the response is favourable;

3) Taxpayer-funded subsidised home ownership schemes should be scrapped. They push up prices and do nothing for the less well-off;

4) The Land Compensation Act 1961 must be repealed as an absolute priority;

5) “Right to buy” should be scrapped;

6) Planning permission must no longer be given away;

7) Permitted development laws must be tightened up so they are not misused for shoddy housing;

 The use of anonymous offshore trusts should be banned and companies blocked from buying property or land unless the beneficial owners are disclosed and funds proven to be legitimate;

9) Quality standards should be set for sustainable housing so it’s built to last;

10) Benefit payments must cover the cost of social housing rents.

The housing supply disaster can be addressed only by politicians working together beyond the usual four-year cycle, and through a change in mindset.

It also calls for a willingness to tackle the complex, messy business of managing expectations and balancing competing interests. In a democracy, this is part and parcel of creating change for the better.'




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