The government has refused to confirm reports that the Urban Taskforce is considering proposals to cut mortgage tax relief for homes on greenfield sites.
The Financial Times claimed the proposals could save the government “hundreds of millions of pounds” which could be reinvested in urban regeneration. Such a policy would also discourage further housebuilding in the countryside.
But Shadow Environment Secretary Gillian Shephard demanded at question time in the House of Commons whether there was any truth in suggestions that the Urban Taskforce was set to recommend this idea.
She claimed country dwellers would be the ones who lost out, even though they were among the main objectors to urban encroachment. “Wouldnt it be a bit much even for your government to expect only country dwellers to pay to prevent it?” she asked Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong.
EGi News 13/01/99
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