The evidence suggests a slight increase in the rate of owner-occupation over the last couple of years.
The Government should abolish stamp duty entirely for all purchases of a main home under £500,000.
While there is no shortage of ideas, there has been a shortage of leadership. We need a Prime Minister who will take us through Brexit and confront the challenges beyond.
There are close to 100,000 people affected by terms that leave them with ground rent in excess of 0.1 per cent of their property. That means it is unsaleable.
That means easing onerous planning restrictions and ending George Osborne’s misguided crackdown on buy-to-let landlords.
There’s a development of 5,000 new homes near where I live. The sign board doesn’t mention the large Government grant.
The more one thinks about it, the more problematic it becomes.
Plus: We must be the Party for social housing as well as home ownership. And: why don’t we trumpet our history of social reform?
Probably enough is being done to maintain the status quo. The problem is that for millions of people aiming for home ownership, that is pretty dire.
Here is one firm’s account of how unnecessary costs and delay in the planning system holds them back. Timescales promised by councils are not honoured.
The Chancellor has been fortunate that the public finances have improved substantially at a particularly convenient time.
We have a habit of looking back at policy platforms pursued by previous Conservative Governments, and attempting to bring back popular policies like a poor Hollywood remake.
We need to redefine our purpose, move forward with our global partners, unite the UK – and defeat Corbynism.