|
PRE-BUDGET REPORT MOVES HOUSING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
THE National Association of Estate Agents has welcomed many of the
housing related announcements made by Gordon Brown today. It warns,
however, that certain key issues are still being ignored and that it
is the consumer who will suffer. Stamp duty and inheritance tax (IHT)
were 2 topics not included in the Chancellor’s pre-budget report
this week.
Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive at the NAEA, comments:- “We
were disappointed to see that the Chancellor did not address the key
issues of stamp duty and inheritance tax in his report. Both are
having a direct, negative impact on homebuyers and homeowners in the
UK today and the problems associated with them are likely to get
progressively worse as long as inflation keeps rising and the stamp
duty and inheritance tax thresholds do not. We urge the Chancellor
to address this immediately.”
Comment on issues raised in the pre-budget report:-
Planning-gain Supplement (PGS)
Bolton King comments:- “We note the proposals relating to
planning gain and would emphasise that in order for it to work it is
crucial that the profits are ploughed back into the right
infrastructure. We welcome any moves to make the system more
efficient and to reform planning obligations and would urge the
Government to press on with this without delay.”
Planning Delivery Grant (PDG)
Bolton King comments:- “We believe that it is important to
encourage local authorities to be actively involved in promoting
growth in their area, and approve of the Government’s proposal to
reform the current Planning Delivery Grant.”
Planning Policy Statement for Housing (PPS3)
Bolton King comments:- “This is a critical step forward. We
are delighted to see that the Government is looking more closely at
the requirements of the housing market, and taking on board Kate
Barker’s suggestions. We express concern, however, over the
number of local authorities that are clamping down on permissions
for new homes as they feel they are exceeding the requirements of
their structure plan. It is clearly far more beneficial to allow as
many new developments as possible in areas where there is high
demand. We would like to see the Government addressing this issue in
the near future.”
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS)
Bolton King comments:- “We look forward to receiving more
details on the proposals for UK-REITS before the end of the year, as
promised in the pre-budget report.” |
Grant
for Lady Lever Art Gallery Gift from The Johnson Foundation
THE Lady Lever Art Gallery has received a generous award of £110,000
over 5 years from The Johnson Foundation.
The cash injection will secure a Learning officer’s post at the
gallery and guarantee delivery of an education programme for all
ages and abilities. The award will enable the huge educational
potential at the Lady Lever Art Gallery to be fully realised.
The gallery houses the collection of the first Lord Leverhulme. It
has a world-renowned collection of Wedgwood, along with many pieces
of furniture and a stunning painting collection, along with a new
temporary exhibition space.
Juliet Staines, Learning officer at the Lady Lever Art Gallery
says:- "What a privilege to be given such an exciting
opportunity. This extremely generous award will enable us to develop
and provide innovative Learning projects and activities for learners
of all ages and to work more with local community groups."
Peter Johnson said:- "The trustees and I are delighted to be
able to assist the Lady Lever Art Gallery to succeed in its aim in
providing exciting education projects for young and old alike"
CORGI REASSURES
PUBLIC FACING CHRISTMAS GAS STRIKE
FOLLOWING the
announcement that British Gas workers have agreed to stage five
24-hour strikes over the Christmas period, the UK’s gas safety
watchdog are reminding homeowners how to find details of CORGI
registered gas installers in an emergency. The strike-action is
scheduled to take place on 12, 19 and 21 December, and 6 and 9
January. Homeowners can contact CORGI and access their database of
50,000 registered installation businesses.
CORGI’s Chief Executive, Mike Thompson warns:- “It is
vitally important that during this strike action consumers are not
tempted to use non-registered, gas fitters whose work is both
potentially dangerous and illegal.
We hold a database of some 50,000
registered gas installation businesses employing around 100,000
gas-fitting operatives. During the Christmas period, as well as the
rest of the year, CORGI will help consumers locate a local
registered installer.
This can be done by calling 0870 401 2300, or
logging on to
www.corgi-gas-safety.com.”
 |
