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Boris Johnson says no-confidence vote win ‘decisive’ despite mass Tory rebellion
Boris Johnson confirmed plans to extend the right to buy to tenants of housing association homes.
He said there are 2.5 million households whose homes belong to associations, saying "they're trapped, they can't buy, they don't have the security of ownership, they can't treat their home as their own or make the improvements that they want".
Mr Johnson added that some associations have treated tenants with "scandalous indifference".
However, the government’s right to buy plan has been labelled a “dangerous gimmick,” by housing charity Shelter with the group’s chief executive calling on the prime minister to “stop wasting time” on failed policies.
Shelter CEO Polly Neate said the government’s promise to replace sold social homes through Right to Buy “has flopped.”
“The government needs to stop wasting time on the failed policies of the past and start building more of the secure social homes this country actually needs.”
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Key points Boris Johnson announces raft of housing policies on Thursday Government’s housing plan ‘a dangerous gimmick’ Shelter boss says Gove promising ‘instant’ replacement of social housing No 10 rejects claims PM could replace Rishi Sunak with Jeremy Hunt The government’s housing plan ‘will not work,’ Labour says ‘Wanting and inadequate’ NHS costs lives, says Sir Keir Starmer
Show latest update 1654793248 How have the PM’s housing plans been received?
The reaction so far has been mixed. Some commentators have said the plans will need careful consideration.
Others suggest the plans will be be welcomed by those who can afford monthly payments, but who are currently locked out of homeownership.
Chris Pitt, CEO of first direct said: “Today’s announcement could help alleviate the first-time buyer freeze-out, and create a more level playing field for people across the UK looking to secure a home.”
But Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter described the housing plans as a “dangerous gimmick”.
Tom Batchelor 9 June 2022 17:47
1654791769 Rwanda deportation detainees could be freed is first flight is delayed
People being held in detention centres in the UK before they are sent to Rwanda could be released if legal action means the first deportation flight is delayed.
Up to 130 people have been notified they could be removed on the inaugural flight, due to take off on Tuesday.
But lawyers for more than 90 people have already submitted legal challenges asking to stay in the UK with the rest expected to follow suit this week.
Care4Calais, the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) and Detention Action are seeking a judicial review of the Rwanda scheme - which they have described as “unlawful” - in the High Court, with a hearing due on Friday.
The wave of legal action has cast doubt on whether the first flight will go ahead as planned.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We remain confident in our position, should the legal challenges require us going to the courts we will argue our case. It’s true to say the first flight is due for next week so we have that ready to go.”
In the event of a delay, Home Office officials are understood to be prepared to release and monitor those who are being detained with measures which could include placing them on immigration bail and requiring them to sign on regularly at a reporting centre.
The government may have to allow the detainees to leave if the flight cannot happen in a reasonable timeframe, in line with rules on immigration detention powers which prevent people facing removal being held indefinitely.
Tom Batchelor 9 June 2022 17:22
1654790342 LTNs do work, comprehensive new study concludes
Away from housing to another hot political issue, the Centre for London has produced a report that found low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) are successful and should be used more widely to reduce car use and encourage active travel.
Here is their Twitter thread on their key findings:
Tom Batchelor 9 June 2022 16:59
1654788896 How the housing announcement might impact you
Here is a guide by PA Media on how the housing announcement might impact you:
- What is happening with the Right to Buy?
An extension of the Right to Buy scheme in England, which has made home ownership a reality for two million households since the 1980s, has been announced.
Extending the scheme could benefit up to 2.5 million tenants who would gain the Right to Buy. The government says it will work closely with the housing association sector on the design of the scheme.
- How could this impact the supply of affordable homes?
The government says it will commit to the building of replacement social homes for each one sold.
However, some groups have raised concerns that this may not happen in reality, based on past experiences.
The Local Government Association (LGA) says any houses sold must be replaced quickly, in the same local authority area and on a like-for-like basis.
Tom Batchelor 9 June 2022 16:34
1654786988 Watch: Boris Johnson has taken 'wrecking ball' to relations with EU, says Starmer
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Boris Johnson has taken 'wrecking ball' to relations with EU, says Starmer
Thomas Kingsley 9 June 2022 16:03
1654785558 Boris Johnson tells workers to accept pay cuts or UK faces 1970s–style ‘stagflation’
Workers will have to settle for real-terms pay cuts if Britain is to avoid 1970s–style “stagflation” and soaring interest rates, Boris Johnson has warned.
The prime minister performed a startling U-turn on a promise – made just months ago – to create a high-wage economy, instead highlighting the pain to come from rising inflation.
Read the full story from our deputy political editor, Rob Merrick, here:
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Tom Batchelor 9 June 2022 15:39
1654783750 Watch: Johnson confirms plans to extend Right to Buy scheme
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Boris Johnson confirms plans to extend Right to Buy scheme targeting 2.5 million households
Tom Batchelor 9 June 2022 15:09
1654782814 Johnson calls for more low-deposit mortgages
Boris Johnson has said he wants to ensure a “ready stream” of low-deposit mortgages.
“Yes, we have got to help people get deposits, but we need to have many more 95% mortgages,” he said.
“It is punitively difficult for so many people now in this country, it doesn’t need to be that way, that’s one of the reasons we are reforming it.”
Tom Batchelor 9 June 2022 14:53
1654781382 PM quiet on tax cuts
The PM refused to give further details of his reported plans to reduce the tax burden.
Asked about speculation of a 2p cut to income tax, Boris Johnson said: “On what Rishi (Sunak) and I are talking about on fiscal measures, you are just going to have to contain your impatience there.”
He said the government was “strongly inclined to stimulate further growth, further productivity with tax cuts as and when they become sensible”.
Mr Johnson added: “The cost of housing is a big chunk of expenditure, transport is a big chunk, childcare’s a big chunk, energy is an ever-growing chunk but tax is the biggest of all and we certainly aim to get that down.”
Tom Batchelor 9 June 2022 14:29
1654779746 Government will explore discounting Lifetime ISA and Help to Buy ISA savings from Universal Credit eligibility rules
The government will explore discounting Lifetime ISA and Help to Buy ISA savings from Universal Credit eligibility rules.
Boris Johnson said that will "make it easier for hard-working people to put away a little every month until they have enough for a deposit on their first home".
The Prime Minister also said mortgage support for those who become unemployed will be available more quickly and the government was also looking at measures to "securitise" some of the ￡30 billion housing benefits bill in order to fund more development of homes.
Mr Johnson said the overall package would "not only help us to build many more homes in the right place but will help millions of people realise what is currently an unattainable dream of home ownership".
The prime minister also added that government would explore having more 95 per cent mortgages to help aspiring homeowners get on the ladder
Thomas Kingsley 9 June 2022 14:02
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