Reduce house prices. House price rises are locking a generation of young people out of a secure place to live. When house prices increase too fast, many people can’t afford to buy, others take on too much debt, and the economy suffers from the house price bubble. But even in this situation, many people feel forced into home ownership because of the lack of affordable alternatives. To put downward pressure on house prices, we will ensure a steady supply of land for housing at low cost and ensure that it is developed. This requires better control of bank lending, better affordable renting options and a fair property tax.
Tackle homelessness. Local authorities provide over 10,000 households with temporary accommodation and last year received almost 36,000 homeless applications. In addition to increasing housing supply and controlling rents, we need a national strategy on preventing homelessness, including measures to empower tenants through better advice and support, including legal aid. We must also provide appropriate support for those who have particular needs such as women and children escaping domestic violence.
Better quality homes. Paying less for land allows for more investment in quality homes. We will support action to drive up space standards, design houses which are easy to adapt for independent living, and build net zero carbon homes.
