Housing obstacles

FOr ten years I have been involved in a family business in the housing sector and I am dismayed at the obstacles facing anyone trying to acquire a home.

Blame for the lack of suitable housing to buy and rent can be laid at the door of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, where in the past 16 months there have been two business secretaries and three housing ministers.

though 40 per cent of housing is rented, this sector has been demonised and persecuted by punitive taxation and a proposed letting agent fee ban.

the independent Office for Budget responsibility has advised the Government that the fee ban will increase rental costs. Landlords are withdrawing from the market because of tax and red tape, resulting in an acute shortage of properties.

there have been 150 new regulations during the past five years, with even more in the pipeline.

the results are increased costs for renters, a proliferation of rogue landlords and an increase in substandard, unregulated properties. the Government is creating the perfect storm of homelessness and sky-high costs.

MALCoLM BIRR, Highcliffe, Dorset.