BRITAIN'S housing market has been stuck in a vicious spiral of boom and bust. Under Labour fewer homes have been built, in the wrong places and of the wrong kind. Britain needs housing that promotes opportunity, social mobility and pride in neighbourhoods.
Helping first time buyers get on the housing ladder is a top priority for me and the Conservative Party. We will increase the stamp duty threshold for them to £250,000 so that 9 out of 10 first time buyers will pay no stamp duty. This is a permanent tax cut, unlike Labour's plans which are just for 2 years. We will also abolish the unnecessary and expensive home information packs which increase the cost and the hassle of buying and selling homes.
We plan to reward councils that develop sustainable housing plans and as an added incentive encourage the building of affordable housing. This will allow each town to grow sustainably and lift areas out of poverty, unlike Labour's plans which will force deprived areas to be still classed as no go areas to developers.
Finally, we want to work with local councils to freeze council tax for 2 years, helping young families at this difficult time.
