Main Categories
Housing
Housing Crisis
I think it is fair to say that a great many people have been very badly let down by recent Governments, who have done little to address the gigantic leap in property prices, triggered by the failure to address a shortage in places for people to live. Maybe it suited certain members of government to do little because they have benefited from their own investments in the property market, or maybe it is just another example of politicians failing to address a serious managerial issue that should be an everyday, and routine, part of their role. Whatever the case, the bottom line is that many people now cannot afford to break into the property market and many people cannot even afford to rent, as the price of rented accommodation is directly related to the price of property also. Now the situation is as bad as it is, it is fair to say that it will be hard to correct it without people being seriously penalised one way or the other, however, there are perhaps things that can be done to make the situation a little bit better.
Provision Of More Council Housing
A suggestion for local authorities to supplement the current level of council housing by redirecting housing benefit payments into mortgage payment schemes instead of paying large sums for private rented housing and bed and breakfast accommodation. It is far cheaper to buy a house by paying a mortgage than to rent from private landlords or pay out for bed and breakfast accommodation. After the mortgage payment period is up the house will then be owned by the council and available to be used for someone else or sold in the usual manner to the long term occupants. Whatever the case the state will be getting something for its money and everyone will be a winner.
Rent To Buy - Is It A Con?
There are currently unscrupulous people out there offering the following... HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER! HANDYMAN SPECIAL! YOU FIX - YOU PROFIT! NO BANK MORTGAGE REQUIRED! BUY THIS HOUSE FOR £X AMOUNT PER WEEK! The problem being that the end deal may not be what they say it is....
Lift Time Restrictions On Caravan Accommodation
In many instances you are currently only able to live in your holiday caravan for nine months of the year, which, in such a time of housing shortages with governments and local councils under providing on housing for people, this would perhaps be a measure enabling more people to be accommodated.
Say No To Empty Homes
There are still far too many empty properties that could otherwise be a home to someone. Why are any, yet alone so many, properties sitting empty when there is a housing crisis? More needs to be done in the area of housing provision and yet thousands of properties currently remain empty and unoccupied, going to waste, when they could otherwise be utilised in that effort.
Support Mortgage Payments
A call for the DSS to support hard pressed parents and single mums
with a sufficient mortgage payment rather than leaving them short to the extent where they get behind on their
payments and lose their house. This ultimately means that they have to be rehoused in expensive rented accommodation
or bed and breakfast at up to four times the expense. By observing the revised protocol the state will benefit
financially and the family will be spared the emotional upheaval and turmoil of losing their house.
Allow Consideration Of Mortgage Shortfalls
A call for the DSS, who currently only pay a percentage of a person's interest leaving them sometimes with a significant shortfall, to allow people to lawfully earn their shortfall so as to be able to make up the difference. At the moment, there appears to be no mechanism for a person to be able to do this and therefore the only way they can sustain their mortgage payments is to unlawfully earn the money and not declare it, get more into debt, or have to rely on the charity of friends and relatives.
Housing Density
A suggestion to limit housing density in any given area and instead provide more green space. This then enables people to go about their business without tripping over each other and leads to a healthier lifestyle for all. It also means that people have somewhere nice to walk and children have places to play. These ingredients are currently sadly lacking in built up areas.
Segregation Of Housing And Industrial Areas
A suggestion to implement a policy of deliberately segregating industrial and community areas where possible, so that people do not have to put up with heavy lorries and industrial traffic running through the heart of their residential community.
Second Homes
A suggestion to prohibit the ownership of second
homes, that are not occupied on a full time basis, so as to free up more homes
for people who currently do not have one. Anyone who can afford a second home
can surely afford to rent accommodation in a hotel if they want to go away somewhere.