The extension of the Right to Buy to 1.3m people has been confirmed in the Queen’s Speech today.
Devolution was also a main issue in the speech with legislation promised on further devolution of powers to Scotland and Wales. English MPs will also be given more power over laws that affect England.
The speech announced the government’s Housing Bill, which includes provisions for increasing the supply of new starter homes, a statutory register for brownfield land and a programme to speed up the neighbourhood planning system.
The speech mentioned the northern powerhouse and plans for more elected city mayors.
The EU referendum was also confirmed in the speech.
Commenting on the Housing Bill, Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “The government has a huge task on its hands if it is to deliver enough new homes to house future generations, and must focus on supply-side solutions to meet demand. The devil will be in the detail, and there is an opportunity for innovative suggestions to drive forward supply.”
In addition, the Enterprise Bill introduced in the speech pledged to reform the business rates appeals system and modify the Valuation Tribunal powers to consider ratepayer appeals.
It will also allow for the Valuation Office Agency to share information with local government to improve the system for both local government and ratepayers.
Mark Rigby, chief executive at CVS, said: “It’s positive to see that the government is considering better information sharing as part of business rates reform, but the benefits of this must extend directly to ratepayers.
“The Queen’s Speech and introduction to the Enterprise Bill make scant reference to the substantial reform promised under the coalition government. Nonetheless, we hope these summary proposals can lead to meaningful improvements in efficiency, transparency and fairness in the business rates system, without creating new impediments for ratepayers who wish to challenge their business rates liabilities.”
