Ian Baker, Group Managing Director for Housebuilding at Galliford Try Homes, comments on Grant Shapps’ statement on promoting home ownership:
”We are greatly encouraged by Grant Shapps’ latest statement confirming a commitment to encouraging homeownership and the building of more homes. He is right to question the banks’ reluctance to lend to people who can afford to pay back mortgages and we add to the call for ongoing restrictions to mortgage lending to be lifted.
“Tackling the long standing issues of planning red tape and approaching the new localism policies with some caution is also welcomed and we look forward to the content of his policy statement. This must, however, be very clear in the detail so that local authorities can gear up to provide housebuilders with a mandate to deliver housing and convey a fair and accurate picture of the need for new homes at a local level. The worst case scenario would be a shift towards Nimbyism for Nimbyism sake.
“Mr Shapps’ further commitment to HomeBuy Direct schemes which encourages first-time buyers is welcomed. However, he must also not lose sight of the benefits that the housebuilding industry brings to the economy as a whole, providing housing and employment across many different associated sectors.”
Source: Housebuilder
See Also: Property News (6711), Housebuilder (84), Grant Shapps (23), Galliford Try Homes (5), HomeBuy Direct (62)
Date Published: 09 June 2010
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