Government Defeated Over Housing Bill

The Government has faced a series of defeats on the Housing Bill. Councillors and MPs have expressed concern about the impact on the supply of affordable rented properties.  Some have also raised concerns about the ability to prioritise local families under new rules, and the threat to keeping local housing affordable "in perpetuity". However, the House of Lords have been successful in passing an amendment that goes some way to addressing these criticisms. Peers voted 275-181 in favour of extending the life time of the Starter Home discount to 20 years instead of eight. This means the discount will now be reduced by 1/20th a year – instead of 1/8th – in a bid to deter buyers from "cashing in". Peers have also voted in favour of an amendment to give local authorities more powers to decide the appropriate level of Starter Homes for their local area.  Read more on the Plymouth Herald website.