7
Nov
Government to hand fillip to first time buyers?
First time buyers and key workers could be handed a fillip by the
government under new proposals revealed in the government's housing
green paper yesterday.
Should the proposals be enacted, local authorities would be granted
the power to formulate discounted deals for workers such as nurses
and police - as well as those attempting to get on the housing
ladder.
The proposals would involve the council handing over land it deems
surplus to requirements to the Local Housing Company.
In return, the council will be granted input into any proposed
developments, and could insist on provision of low cost local
housing.
Housing minister Yvette Cooper said: "We urgently need to build
more homes for first time buyers and families. That's why we are
investing £10.2 billion to increase affordable and social
housing.
"But the government cannot deliver this alone. This is a new way to
help councils to do their bit to support new homes for key workers
and families in their areas."
