LIZ Truss vows to cut down local planning bureaucracy to “unlock” homeownership for millions of generations of renters.
The runaway favorite to become the next prime minister also slammed Whitehall’s “Soviet” style housing targets and wants to encourage developers to build affordable housing in tax-incentive districts.
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And it will allow tenants to use proof of regular payments to landlords to secure mortgages.
Government statistics show that over 50 percent of renters could afford a mortgage, but only 6 percent are able to get a first-time buyer mortgage.
Ms Truss said: “People are getting older before they can get a foot on the property ladder.
“This is not just a problem for the Conservative Party, but for the future of the country.
“As Prime Minister, I would break down barriers and bring home ownership to millions of hard-working renters across the country.”
She would reform planning laws and return powers to local communities to help build decent new homes.
She added: “As a former councilwoman, I remember those painful hours sitting on planning committees.
“I will put power back in the hands of local councils who know far better than Whitehall what their communities want.”
Cllr Andy Baggot, leader of Conservative-led Basildon Council, which has been forced to abandon a plan for new homes, said: “These top-down housing targets dictated by Whitehall are deeply unpopular, not only with Conservative councillors, but with residents as well , which we represent.
“Abolishing them, as Liz Truss is proposing, would be radical, vote-winning reform that would take us to next year’s local elections — and then to the general election.”
