A Housing Revolution

There is some good news on Housing today, as the Conservatives have unveiled a raft of revolutionary housing proposals. The main - and most far reaching -proposal is to give social housing tenants to right to move. In essence, this will mean that tenants of good standing will be able to compel their Landlord (be it council, or housing association), to sell their house and buy another property elsewhere - in the area they want to move to (providing the price is the same or less). This will have dramatic effects on social mobility, as people will be able to move to areas they want to, rather than be forced to stay in one place.

Another great aspect of the proposal is that tenants who have a good record over five years, will be able to claim for a free 10% equity in the property they live in, giving them a first step on the property ladder. The policy proposals also protect green belt land, incentivises councils to build houses where needed (with genuine local consultation) and allows village residents to establish a special local body to plan for housing needs.

These proposals are dramatic in nature and could have as much an influence as the 'Right to Buy Policy' during the 1980s. All in all,good news for tenants, home owners, and those who care about the green belt. The Guardian has a good summary of all the proposals HERE.