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.

Council Bosses Told To Gamble £30million On Property To Make Up For Government Cuts

Council chiefs could be poised to gamble up to £30million on the property market - to help make up for Government cuts. Devon County Council’s senior councillors are being urged to gamble the cash on the rising property market. The ruling executive will consider a report recommending they sanction an investment in the Churches, Charities and Local Authorities) Property Fund (CCLA) instead of bank deposits. The CCLA fund currently has investments of over £300million, with over 100 local authority investors including Plymouth City Council and four Devon town councils. A report to the cabinet meeting points out the “risk” that property value could go down and that with charges a 3% rise in the market would be required for the authority to break even. Read more on the Plymouth Herald website.

Charity Hits Out At Report on Housing Benefit Payments

A charity has hit back after being placed on a list of "housing benefit millionaires". A report in a national newspaper claimed to expose "people who receive hundreds of millions" in housing benefit every year, using data from 324 councils across the country. The Plymouth list was topped by the Salvation Army, but the charity says the figures are misleading and insists it uses the money to help people. A spokeswoman said: "We work with some of the most vulnerable people in the local community and help them to get back on their feet. Read more on the Plymouth Herald website.

Bedroom Tax Has 'Failed To Reduce Waiting Lists'

A Peer once charged with solving the South West’s housing crisis says the “bedroom tax” has “failed” to reduce housing waiting lists and save money, and “deprives” families of money they “need”. Lord Taylor of Goss Moor said he “cannot support the Government’s policy”, which he argues is “misjudged”. The Plymouth Community Homes housing association said last year more than 1,000 of its tenants are affected by the policy – but it had only been able to move 118 households. Read more on the Plymouth Herald website.