BUDGET REPORT
rent arrears will build up. The social sector will no longer receive rent payments direct and will be treated in the same way as private landlords and will need to learn to cope with rent arrears. The Bill may well be amended in the Commons and again in the House of Lords where the Coalition cannot rely on a guaranteed majority. The first storm warning may well be
headlines and pictures showing families evicted for non payment of rent from city centre properties, having failed to find a cheaper property close to work, family and friends. The support of landlords cannot be guaranteed in these areas either, since those owning properties that will not attract good quality private tenants may well sell up and leave the market.
REPORTS Although the Chancellor’s interest in housing and the Welfare Reform Bill are the big ticket items on the agenda, a sudden flurry of reports from other quarters merit attention. It seems that housing reports are like buses, nothing for months but speculation and gloom on house prices and the lack of mortgages, then they appear all at once. The quality, value and importance are highly variable; so taking a tip from the music critics in the Sunday supplements we have given each a star rating.
CONSUMER FOCUS PUBLICATIONS *1 star
This quango born during the last years of the Labour government is marked for closure by the coalition but still just about alive. Perhaps the sudden rush of publications that have appeared during the last few months are an indication that it is still alive; but also that they are not waving, but drowning. A private green deal – December 2010 This paper might be subtitled ‘The landlords nightmare’. It calls for minimum and improving heating efficiency standards in the PRS with work to be carried out at the request of tenants supervised and where necessary enforced by local authorities. The report was discussed in the House of Lords with Lord Best leading those urging action. Lord Morland for the government promised to consider the market’s reaction by end 2013. Since the housing minister and his colleagues have decided against further regulation of the sector, this delay may be a kick into the long grass where unwanted regulation lies hidden. A very limited Green Deal may
28 MAY 2011 PROPERTYdrum
Regulated industries and consumers
come into effect applied to the 100,000 or so homes occupied by statutory tenants. Room for improvement – February 2011
Room for improvement The impact of EPCs on consumer decision-making
Liz Lainé Fresh thinking
Discusses the low level of attention paid by tenants and home buyers to energy performance information when making rental or purchase discussions. Industry opinion that EPSs are a waste of time and money is not noted. Reaching the fuel poor – February 2011 Notes the government’s intention to introduce a Warmer Home Discount Scheme in April 2011 to tackle fuel poverty. The poverty of motorists struggling to cope with the cost of motor fuel is not discussed. Opening the door – February 2011 The central proposition is to create a website where ratings about landlords and their properties could be listed, say the BPF. The corollary of a site that would identify tenants that breach tenancy agreements is not recommended. Informing Choices – consumer views on energy bills – March 2011 Duplicates research by Which, The Energy Savings Trust, Ofgen and price comparison websites. Regulated Industries and the consumer – March 2011 Demands urgent expenditure of £200 billion to improve UK infrastructure while conveniently ignoring the greater need to reduce government expenditure. Discusses
There’s little justice in forcing people to contribute to social housing for those better off than themselves.’
the need for consumers to be represented at all levels of infrastructure planning. Other reports consider copyright, the
REPORT
and the ugly Housing demand 2025 Katie Schmuecker
March 2011 © ippr 2011
The good, the bad
Financial Services Authority, buying digital goods, equipment for the disabled and the need for a sustainable universal postal service in the UK.
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY ****4 stars for presentation; **2 stars for solutions
Sub titled Housing Demand 2025, this first paper is described as part of a major programme of research entitled “Housing policy – a fundamental review” by the progressive – left wing – think tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research, ippr. The 3 phrase title is used by the author,
Katie Schmeucher, to consider housing demand in three different scenarios:-
Institute for Public Policy Research Challenging ideas – Changing policy
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