Apr 26 2005
As all political party launch their manifestoes, the National Home Improvement Council urges whoever forms the next government to seriously consider the condition of some 5.3 million private homes in England alone, which are now in urgent need of repair.
Graham Ponting, director of the NHIC, says: "Around 31% of the private housing sector in England is classified by the ODPM as non decent. This is at a time when the Chancellor of the Exchequer is frequently reminding us that we are enjoying the longest period of sustained growth in the nation's history. So for this deplorable housing situation to exist in 21st Century Britain is a real disgrace and demands the urgent attention of the next goverment."
Ponting continues: "Government programmes have, slowly but steadily, helped to bring down the number of non decent homes in the social sector to around 1.4 million and local authorities and housing associations are to be applauded for this very significant achievement. "
But sadly there are no specific policies in existence to tackle the vast numbers of homes in the private sector which are deteriorating year on year through lack of investment or incentive to repair. Many of these homes are in drastic need of top to toe attention and some even lack the basic amenities, especially economical to run heating systems.
Consequently they remain a liability to their owners and a major handicap for the nation's target to reduce CO2 emissions.
What the NHIC suggests is that the new government must seriously consider is a reduction in the level of VAT on repair, renovation and home improvement works from 17.5% to 5%. Not only would this encourage people to move forward with improving their outdated properties but also if renovation and repair was channelled through only VAT registered tradesmen it would also contribute to the elimination of so called cowboy builders. Also there must be financial incentives to encourage equity rich, income poor property owners to accept the concept of equity release to finance repairs and renovation on their deteriorating properties. In addition there must be a reintroduction of some form of discretionary grants for those sectors of the community who cannot fund repairs and renovation projects.
And there should be a much greater emphasis on ensuring these run down homes are totally energy efficient with adequate thermal insulation, draughtproofing and heating systems that meet the Building Regualtions and are economical to run.