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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| £60m 'to tackle second homes problem' in England | £60m 'to tackle second homes problem' in England |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The government is to introduce a £60m annual fund to help areas of England with high levels of second-home ownership to "tackle the problem". | The government is to introduce a £60m annual fund to help areas of England with high levels of second-home ownership to "tackle the problem". |
| The money, to be shared by 150 councils over five years, will go into providing "affordable" housing for first-time buyers in places where demand is high. | The money, to be shared by 150 councils over five years, will go into providing "affordable" housing for first-time buyers in places where demand is high. |
| The money has been raised through increases in stamp duty. | The money has been raised through increases in stamp duty. |
| Housing Minister Gavin Barwell said this would help those who struggle to get permanent accommodation. | Housing Minister Gavin Barwell said this would help those who struggle to get permanent accommodation. |
| One-third of the money will go to south-west England. | One-third of the money will go to south-west England. |
| This area, according to the government, accounts for 21% of all second-home ownership in the country. | This area, according to the government, accounts for 21% of all second-home ownership in the country. |
| Councils will distribute their share of the money to community groups to invest in building and the development of housebuilding skills. | Councils will distribute their share of the money to community groups to invest in building and the development of housebuilding skills. |
| The South East will get £11m, the East of England almost £9m, Yorkshire and Humberside £6m and the North West almost £6m. | |
| Smaller sums will go the East Midlands, London, the West Midlands and the North East. | Smaller sums will go the East Midlands, London, the West Midlands and the North East. |
| 'Frustration' | 'Frustration' |
| The government says second-home ownership is at an "all-time high" and is "crowding out" first-time buyers by artificially raising prices. | The government says second-home ownership is at an "all-time high" and is "crowding out" first-time buyers by artificially raising prices. |
| The Department for Communities and Local Government reports that there were 340,000 second homes in England in 2013/14, its most recent figures. This constituted a rise of 98,000 in five years. | The Department for Communities and Local Government reports that there were 340,000 second homes in England in 2013/14, its most recent figures. This constituted a rise of 98,000 in five years. |
| Mr Barwell said: "The high number of second homes can be a frustration for many who struggle to find an affordable home in their community. | Mr Barwell said: "The high number of second homes can be a frustration for many who struggle to find an affordable home in their community. |
| "This new fund will help tackle that by boosting supply and making sure community groups are at the heart of delivering new homes, so that this is a country that works for everyone." | "This new fund will help tackle that by boosting supply and making sure community groups are at the heart of delivering new homes, so that this is a country that works for everyone." |
| During the first year of the scheme, funding will focus on improving skills and reviewing housing needs in different areas. | During the first year of the scheme, funding will focus on improving skills and reviewing housing needs in different areas. |
| It "must then be used to deliver housing on the ground for local people" during the second year. | It "must then be used to deliver housing on the ground for local people" during the second year. |
| Labour said the money was a drop in the ocean for the most-affected communities. | Labour said the money was a drop in the ocean for the most-affected communities. |