Stamp Duty: Periodic Tenancies
Debate between Baroness Taylor of Stevenage and Earl of Effingham(2 weeks, 5 days ago)
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Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)
As the noble Lord will know, the basis of the Renters’ Rights Act was made under the previous Government. We wanted to make sure that we tackle the issues in the housing market and have done so with a very effective piece of legislation. On mass evictions, the latest Ministry of Justice landlord possession action statistics published in February showed a 17% reduction in county court Section 21 landlord-accelerated possession claims in quarter 4 compared with the same quarter in 2024. We have given a strong message that responsible landlords have nothing to fear from the reforms; they will have access to a wide range of possession grounds where they are needed.
The Earl of Effingham (Con)
My Lords, the Government told us last year that there would be a consultation on creating a new ISA product to support first home buyers in early 2026. Can the Minister confirm the timeline of that consultation and clarify whether there will be any changes to the existing lifetime ISA, which is helping first-time buyers significantly?
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)
I am currently working across the sector on a wide range of support to provide the framework that first-time buyers will need in order to take the practical steps to access the market and to build up confidence. That work is going very well. First-time buyers benefit from paying no stamp duty up to £300,000 and can claim relief on purchases up to £500,000. Further steps will be announced in due course.
Gypsy and Traveller Communities: Accommodation
Debate between Baroness Taylor of Stevenage and Earl of Effingham(1 year, 4 months ago)
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Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)
The noble Baroness makes a very important point. I will look at the National Policy Planning Framework when it comes out to see what guidance is provided. Other noble Lords have raised the issue of how this will be enacted. It is very important that local planning authorities demonstrate an up-to-date, five-year supply of deliverable sites. The planning policy for Traveller sites states that this should be a significant material consideration in any subsequent planning decision, so there will be enforcement powers to support the delivery of those sites as set out in planning guidance.
The Earl of Effingham (Con)
My Lords, there are many different peoples within the Traveller community with a diverse range of cultural traditions. How do the Government intend to adequately serve this wide range of cultures when providing accommodation?
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)
I thank the noble Lord for his question. The key to all this is consultation and engagement with the communities. There has just been a significant report called Kicking the Can Down the Road. When we read the many changes that have been enacted in provisions for Gypsies and Travellers, it is more than clear that we need to fully engage with a wide range of those in the Gypsy and Traveller community so that we understand what their needs are and make sure they accounted for, not just in the planning process but in all public services.