Liberal Democrats launch new housing policy

2.00.00pm GMT Fri 25th Feb 2005

Charles Kennedy MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, yesterday launched his Party's new housing policy, which aims to provide 100,000 affordable dwellings through a new Mutual Homes scheme.

The new plans also provide local authorities with more power to limit the growth of second homes, allow councils to vary right-to-buy discounts according to local needs, and encourage the re-use and conversion of existing buildings rather developing Greenfield sites.

Charles Kennedy said "Decent homes, decent communities, and the opportunity to own your own home. Liberal Democrat housing policy aims to make these aspirations a reality. We have a simple ambition: a decent home for everyone at a price within their means. Our innovation is to create a completely new housing market to help people make the transition from renting to buying. Mutual homes will offer people the opportunity to build up an equity stake in a home gradually, investing only as much as they can afford."