Forum Topic

Pulling up the ladder?

What do you make of the new regulations that will stop "incomers" from buying homes in National Parks and areas of outstanding beauty? I can understand the local people getting the hump over people buying second homes in rural areas which they use rarely and which helps to push prices up and then makes buying a no no for local youngsters. But I do think the blatant discrimination (which the authorities admit quite cheerfully) to prevent anyone who isn't local from buying a home is very worrying, I see other rural areas are also looking at this policy. How would it be if we all said unless you're born in London (or even just Isleworth) bog off? Those of us with older offspring know the awful housing problems they face with house prices being what they are, but I can't help thinking this sort of thing really isn't the answer.

Vanessa Smith ● 7401d2 Comments

It does seem a bit drastic,but it's probably a reflection of the increasingly drastic sitn.lots of rural people,especially young couples,find themselves in.The rural communities don't have the job opportunities of urban areas,nor the higher level of wages so the playing field isn't a level one anyway.

Keith Iddon ● 7399d

.You are right Vanessa it is not the answer. Housing supply has only recently began to turn around after years of decline under a Tory Government. There are some interesting ideas being prompted by the Labour Land Campaign about Land Value Tax as a means of collecting taxes fairly but also using land for the benefit of all rather than those in possession of it. There is a Yahoo discussion group called the Land Cafe which discusses this and other land reform issues. Dave Wetzel has sent me a number of very good articles on this which I would be happy to pass onto you.

Alan Sheerins ● 7400d