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David Cameron defends 'starter homes' that only the richest can afford | David Cameron defends 'starter homes' that only the richest can afford |
(1 day later) | |
David Cameron has defended his housing policy after an analysis found that his so-called “starter homes” would only be affordable by Britain’s very highest earners. | David Cameron has defended his housing policy after an analysis found that his so-called “starter homes” would only be affordable by Britain’s very highest earners. |
An analysis published by the charity Shelter found that homes build under the scheme in London would only be available to the richest four per cent – those on salaries of over £76,957. | An analysis published by the charity Shelter found that homes build under the scheme in London would only be available to the richest four per cent – those on salaries of over £76,957. |
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he had received 3,500 emails in the last week asking him to grill the Prime Minister on the unaffordability of housing, especially in the capital. | Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he had received 3,500 emails in the last week asking him to grill the Prime Minister on the unaffordability of housing, especially in the capital. |
“Does he really believe that £450,000 is actually an affordable price for a new home for someone on an average income to try and aspire to?” he asked the Prime Minister at Prime Minister’s Questions. | “Does he really believe that £450,000 is actually an affordable price for a new home for someone on an average income to try and aspire to?” he asked the Prime Minister at Prime Minister’s Questions. |
David Cameron replied by arguing that the homes would actually be cheaper than what he called the “upper limit” of house prices in the policy. | David Cameron replied by arguing that the homes would actually be cheaper than what he called the “upper limit” of house prices in the policy. |
“The honourable gentleman quotes the figure of £450,000 because what we’re saying is that should be the upper limit for starter homes in London,” he said. | “The honourable gentleman quotes the figure of £450,000 because what we’re saying is that should be the upper limit for starter homes in London,” he said. |
“We want to see starter homes in London built for £150,000, at £200,000 so people … can stop renting and start buying.” | “We want to see starter homes in London built for £150,000, at £200,000 so people … can stop renting and start buying.” |
The average house price in London is £522,000, according to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics. | The average house price in London is £522,000, according to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics. |
David Cameron’s starter homes are normal homes, with a 20 per cent discount applied to them. The 20 per cent discount on an average priced home in London would mean it cost £417,600. | David Cameron’s starter homes are normal homes, with a 20 per cent discount applied to them. The 20 per cent discount on an average priced home in London would mean it cost £417,600. |
It appears unlikely that many homes in the capital would be available at £150,000, even with a 20 per cent discount. | It appears unlikely that many homes in the capital would be available at £150,000, even with a 20 per cent discount. |
Mr Corbyn, who was speaking at this second Prime Minister Questions, told Mr Cameron his answer detached from what was happening on the ground to tenants. | Mr Corbyn, who was speaking at this second Prime Minister Questions, told Mr Cameron his answer detached from what was happening on the ground to tenants. |
“Could I bring the Prime Minister back to reality?” he asked. | “Could I bring the Prime Minister back to reality?” he asked. |
“The last five years have seen a low level of housebuilding, less than half the new buildings that are actually needed, it’s seen rapidly risings rents, higher homelessness, therefore a higher benefit bill.” | “The last five years have seen a low level of housebuilding, less than half the new buildings that are actually needed, it’s seen rapidly risings rents, higher homelessness, therefore a higher benefit bill.” |
Figures released in August found that rents across Britain have increased by 11.8 per cent over the last year – an average of £977, according to the HomeLet rental index. | Figures released in August found that rents across Britain have increased by 11.8 per cent over the last year – an average of £977, according to the HomeLet rental index. |
According to Government statistics, homelessness has risen by 55 per cent while David Cameron has been prime minister. | According to Government statistics, homelessness has risen by 55 per cent while David Cameron has been prime minister. |
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