Policy

Housing Minister to run for Prime Minister

News, Policy /

Kit Malthouse claims that the Conservatives need a “fresh face”, although this approach has done little for the housebuilding industry which has seen eight fresh faces in eight years. Housing Minister Kit Malthouse has become the 10th MP to throw his hat into the ring, after having served as Housing Minister for just under a year. Malthouse voted leave, but famously hammered out a plan dubbed the ‘Malthouse compromise’ in January which won the backing of both Leave and Remain MPs. Despite the plan being pooh poohed by Brussels, Malthouse is determined to unite the warring factions of his party. It is perhaps telling that he made his pitch to the Sun newspaper, saying, “While we agonise over Brexit, we must recognise

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Builders on EU flag

POLL: Which Brexit motion would get housebuilders’ vote?

News, Policy /

While the public were only afforded one vote on Britain’s decision to leave the EU, democracy is a bit more flexible inside parliament. It seems apt that, on April Fool’s Day, MPs are preparing for another round of indicative votes after MPs failed to reach a majority on any of the motions presented on Wednesday and Theresa May’s deal was voted down for a third time on Friday. While parliamentary paralysis continues, housebuilders could face up to five more years of uncertainty. We’re curious about what housing professionals would like to see shatter the political deadlock. While hardcore Brexiteers court a no deal fantasy, committed remainers cling to the idea of a second referendum. But, what do you think would be best

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RICS explores alternatives to Compulsory Purchase Orders

News, Planning, Policy /

RICS professionals who work in the specialist field of Compulsory Purchase (CP) are so concerned about the current state of the system that they have invited the RICS Dispute Resolution Service to explore alternative methods of dispute resolution (ADR) for resolving CP disputes. Many property owners, who are involuntary participants in the CPO process, argue that they do not receive adequate compensation, and that compensation is not paid out early enough, if at all. At present, the only form of recourse available to property owners who feel settlement offers are unfair is to refer their cases to the Upper Tribunal of the Lands Chamber. The expensive and formal nature of this process frequently deters those with smaller claims from using it. Some

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