Lib Dems launch social housing agenda
Tuesday, 19 February 2008 11:40 AM
By politics.co.uk staff
The Liberal Democrats have unveiled a series of proposals designed to prevent repossession and free up more social housing.
The plans include a 'repair and renewal' scheme for owners of empty properties if they agree to lease them for at least five years to housing associations.
"Millions of families have been let down by Labour's housing failures," said Lib Dem housing spokesperson Sarah Teather.
"As the recession deepens, social housing queues are growing ever longer while the construction industry has ground to a halt.
"Renovating empty and abandoned properties can provide low cost homes while boosting the struggling construction sector."
Commercial properties which were temporarily used for housing would be able to claim commercial property rate relief while 'safestart' mortgages would be aimed towards bringing lending down to normal levels.
In addition, housing associations and local authorities would be able to use Homes and Communities Agency funds to improve newly purchased unsold private housing stock.
The party also stressed the need to only make repossessions a last resort.
Lib Dem economics spokesman Vince Cable said: "We are now facing a repeat of the Tory recession of the 1990s, with tens of thousands of families facing repossession in the year ahead.
"It is critical, not only for those who may lose their homes but also for the wider economy, that we have a comprehensive plan to ensure that repossession is only ever a last resort.
"In the future, people must have access to low risk, simple mortgages which ensure that those who have sensible deposits are protected from negative equity."
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