Agency keeps up support for school’s festive fayre

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IS now less than two weeks until Philip Hammond delivers his first Autumn Statement as chancellor ; on the 23 November. Hammond has hinted that he may be less committed to cutting and deficit reduction than the former government, and that it may be necessar y to retune fiscal policy.

In the House of Lords, Hammond talked about the UK housing shor tage, citing an increasing money supply and limited building of new homes as a ‘toxic mix’. The role of government policy and influence is a crucial par t of this ‘toxic mix’, not to be underestimated.

Unfor tunately, recently some of the government actions on proper ty have been less than ideal.

One area of concern, par ticularly from a London-centric point of view, is the higher threshold of Stamp Duty Land Tax. In many par ts of the UK, £925k and £1.5m, which are the thresholds for 10% and 12% stamp duty respectively, may secure fairly substantial and somewhat luxurious proper ties. In London, it’s more likely to be a comparatively modest two or three bed apar tment. With this considered, stamp duty is a major additional consideration for many individuals who don’t fall into a bracket of super wealthy people. Perhaps this is an area that the chancellor could act to adjust stamp duty arrangements in a way which encourages activity in the proper ty market.

The changes the government will begin phasing in for landlords in 2017 will push up costs, which many landlords have said they will have to pass on to tenants. Already there is local evidence that more six-month tenancies are appearing where once two-year tenancies were more prevalent.

The chancellor could take a view that would be better for both landlord and tenant. Keeping tenant turnover low, and having stability is best for the tenants, landlords and indeed the proper ty. For this reason keeping good tenants by keeping rent slightly below the market norm has been an option. With the changes that have taken place for landlords, this may no longer be an option, and the rental market may see price increases as a result.

IT’S that time of year again when we can start looking forward to the Christmas festivities. Lakin& Co is once again proudly supporting St Andrew’s Primary School’s Christmas fayre for the second year running.

Having supported the school earlier this year at their summer fayre, Lakin & Co is pleased to have been invited to continue to be involved in helping the school.

Everyone at St Andrew’s Primary School in Nursery Way, Uxbridge, is looking forward to another brilliant Christmas fayre on Friday 25 November from 3pm–6pm. Last year the well attended event featured a Santa’s grotto, mulled wine, mince pies, food, cakes, stalls including a tombola and other attractions for both children and adults.The Friends of St Andrew’s is organising the fayre to raise much-needed funds for the benefit of the children at the school.

Look out for Lakin & Co’s marketing boards which the firm has provided in the area to promote the event.The Lakin & Co team will also be there on the day supporting in person and donating both a cash prize and a luxury Christmas hamper as part of the raffle.

So get into the Christmas spirit and support St Andrew’s Primary School by going along with your family for a fun-filled afternoon.

Lakin & Co would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

FAYRE TIDINGS:

Lakin & Co is proudly advertising the St Andrew’s Primary School Christmas Fayre on its marketing boards.