Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, wants local authorities to make it easier for people to live on house boats by readily granting planning permission for new residential moorings. According to the minister, such moorings could be eligible for the New Homes Bonus, a cash incentive for councils and communities in England prepared to allow housing development. [...]
councils
Councils support first-time buyers with deposit scheme
Councils are backing first-time buyers by providing help with deposits, the BBC has reported. Local Lend a Hand schemes are being launched by local authorities in Warrington, Northumberland, East Lothian, Blackpool and Newcastle-under-Lyme for potential first-time buyers who can afford monthly mortgage repayments but not a 25% deposit. Working with Lloyds TSB, the councils will [...]
New rules for councils seizing empty homes
Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, has announced changes to rules that have allowed local authorities to seize homes that are left empty for six months and more.
In 2006, the previous Government introduced Empty Dwelling Management Orders, which according to Mr Pickles give councils the right to seize empty property after too short a period, and even [...]
Affordable Rent scheme update
The Government has announced further details of a new scheme that will allow housing associations and councils to offer flexible tenancies.
From 2011, social landlords will have an “Affordable Rent” option, through which they can offer fixed-term tenancies to new tenants at up to 80% of local rent levels.
However, the new tenancies can only be offered [...]
