Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined a package of housing policy measures at the Labour Party Conference, placing first-time buyer schemes, leasehold reform and property standards at the centre of the agenda.
According to Property Wire, the proposals include changes to schemes intended to help first-time buyers enter the market. No further details on the design or timing of those reforms were included in the source material.
Greater local authority powers
Burnham also signalled new powers for councils to act against empty and substandard properties. The approach could increase scrutiny of owners whose assets remain vacant or fail to meet required housing conditions.
The measures also encompass leasehold legislation, an area of continuing significance for homeowners, developers and investors. Their eventual impact will depend on the detail of the legislation and how local authorities use any new enforcement powers.
