Open season for silly answers to the recession

Article Abstract:

A number of impractical ideas have been proposed as solutions for the depressed housing industry. The Independent proposed all mortgage interest payments should qualify for tax relief but this is expensive for taxpayers and risks encouraging buyers to over-extend their finances. The Abbey National suggested paying a tax credit to sellers who make a loss. This is market rigging as no measures would be taken to restrict profits. Other proposals include extending the stamp duty moratorium and increasing tax relief. All are expensive and obscure the government's failure to take any practical measures.

Economic aspects, Finance, Real estate industry, House buying, Home buying

---

Stormy weather ahead

Article Abstract:

The UK government was right to split up the Housing and Construction Bill. The Housing Bill, which has now been published, includes several complicated and controversial plans, and is likely to have a difficult passage through parliament. Both this and the Construction Bill, which has not yet been published, will be large pieces of legislation, so it would have been almost impossible to deal with them as a single unit. The Construction Bill will contain measures including the registration of architects and a revised home renovation policy.

Analysis, Construction industry, Column, Housing policy

---

The rough with the smooth

Article Abstract:

The British Housing Bill has been amended several times to cater for changes requested by all party supporters, including many from the Labour party. 11 clauses have been removed from the bill, and more amendments are expected when the subjects of homelessness and leasehold reforms are discussed. The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Bill is also under review, and is expected to be questioned on the subject of mandatory home renovation grants.

Usage, Housing, Political aspects, British, Parliamentary procedure

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Peace offerings in the province. Automatic manual. Gaseous cloud
• Abstracts: Northcroft rides the recession. Three schools of speculators
• Abstracts: Top drawer advice: Verve? flair? common sense?. What do architects bring to the board of contractors? Re-opening steel
• Abstracts: Quantifying change. Bitter harvest. General levy

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.