N TATE (HAS, Nov 20) highlights the need for more affordable housing, and maybe today’s Budget will address these concerns.
This is highly unlikely as the Tory Party is shackled by the failed policies of Thatcherism – that’s why the party’s only suggestion is to give billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to help to buy.
Renting is expensive. The average rent represents over 25 per cent of income compared with 12 per cent in the 1980s. Attempts to reform Housing Acts and curb rents would anger landlords, including the 80 or so Tory MPs who are landlords.
Taxation on undeveloped land would be strongly opposed by private house-builders who are also major party donors.
Any attempt to bring Council Tax in proportion to property value would cause rioting in rich Tory heartlands.
Have the Tories got the will and guts to tackle these powerful interests and supporters?
I very much doubt it and just expect another eye-catching gimmick that will not solve the problem of those under 40 trying to purchase a home.
B Jackson, Sacriston
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