Former Ministers Slam The Government's "Weak" Reforms For Housebuilding

Former ministers have hit out at the government's "weak" planning forms, saying the measures are not bold enough to end the UK's housing crisis. A year ago today, the government produced its housing white paper, which promised to "fix our broken housing market". However, it stopped short of the radical planning changes that would allow for more rapid housebuilding. More recently, the government has said it will make it easier for homeowners to build upwards on their properties. Tory MPs John Penrose, Nick Boles, and Mark Prisk, former ministers for architecture, planning and housing respectively, slammed the proposed reforms, saying they do not go far enough. Read more on the City AM website.

http://www.cityam.com/280153/former-ministers-slam-governments-weak-reforms

Ombudsman Abandons 'Broken' Housing Market

One of several organisations that resolves disputes in the property market has announced it is going to withdraw from the sector. Ombudsman Services said it would no longer offer "a broken solution to a broken market". It is one of at least four services that offers redress in arguments between property agents - including estate agents - and individuals. It said it would complete its withdrawal by 6 August 2018. Other services operating in the housing market include The Property Ombudsman, The Property Redress Scheme and the Housing Ombudsman. Read more on the BBC website.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42949800

Town Halls Buy Back Right-To-Buy Homes

Councils have spent millions buying back homes they sold at a discount under Right-to-Buy laws to meet housing shortages. Islington council spent more than £6.2m buying back homes it sold to people for less than £1.3m, a Freedom of Information request reveals. Housing charities blame a lack of investment in social housing. The government has vowed to build more affordable houses and in February called the current market "broken". BBC News looked at local authority areas where waiting lists rose for four consecutive years since 2011 and chose 10 at random. Read more on the BBC website.