Industry news


Increased taxes could deter landlords


to a trade body. David Cox, Chief Executive of ARLA


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Propertymark has said the increased taxes landlords have incurred over the last 12 months is making their work more difficult with stock numbers falling. “It’s been a year since the Government inflated Stamp Duty costs for landlords to 3 per cent and it’s already made the Treasury £1.3 billion. That’s more than changes to Mortgage


Interest Relief, which are now in force, are expected to make in its first three years. This will only further squeeze the sector and


make buy-to-let a less attractive investment for landlords” said Cox. “Our monthly report shows that since the


rivate landlords are being driven from business through a combination of higher taxes and regulatory changes according


Stamp Duty reforms came into effect last April, letting agents have seen the supply of rental stock decrease. In February, 44 per cent saw supply fall as a direct result, while only nine per cent saw it increase. “The impending letting agent fee ban will also


make buy-to-let investment less attractive, as costs are passed on through inflated agents’ fees which landlords pay.


‘Real crisis’


A quarter (27 per cent) are expected to stop increasing their portfolios as a result and a fifth (20 per cent) plan to sell some of their properties.


“We’re facing a severe housing shortage at the


moment, and if the supply of rental stock falls any lower relative to demand for housing, we’ll find ourselves in the midst of a real crisis.”


Safer water in the pipeline


Leading water hygiene consultancy Urban Environments has made a strong start to 2017 by being appointed to two supplier frameworks in the housing sector for the provision of Legionella services. The company has won a position on the


ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) Water System Risk Assessment and Water Hygiene Monitoring framework for a period of three years. ESPO is a local authority purchasing and distribution consortium in Leicestershire, jointly owned by six county councils in the east of England, which has appointed eight suppliers to the framework. Urban Environments has also been


awarded a position on the PFA (Procurement For All Ltd) Water Hygiene, Legionella and Associated Services Framework, for a contract duration of four years. Founder James Homard commented, “The


importance of Legionella control and associated water hygiene risk management is not to be under-estimated, especially with an ageing population, so we look forward to working closely with these new clients to maintain a safe and healthy environment for their tenants, employees and members of the public alike.”


Getting to the bottom of damp and mould with professional advice from the top


BBA/CIT is now providing Local Authorities with independent, expert Investigation services to help with problems associated with failed cavity wall insulation retrofits.


To find out more please email or call us using the contact details below or visit us at the BBA/CIT stand during the following events:


• Housing 2017 at Manchester Central 27 – 29 June


• LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition at ICC Birmingham 4 – 6 July


www.bbacit.co.uk clientservices@bba.star.co.uk 01923 665420


CI 20 | HMM May 2017 | www.housingmmonline.co.uk


BBA/CIT is now providing Local Authorities with independent, expert Investigation services to help with problems associated with failed cavity wall insulation retrofits.


To find out more please email or call us using the contact details below or visit us at the BBA/CIT stand during the following events:


• Housing 2017 at Manchester Central 27 – 29 June


• LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition at ICC Birmingham 4 – 6 July


www.bbacit.co.uk clientservices@bba.star.co.uk 01923 665420


CI


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