Friday, 16th April 2010 Top stories this week 2010 Election Manifestos launched.....read more CLG: House price index - February 2010.....read more CML: Mortgage market saw modest recovery in February.....read more Housebuilder Awards 2010 - call for entries.....read more Quick Links Wales news Government and political news Housing market news Industry news HBF news Events Wales news Plaid Cymru Manifesto The Plaid Cymru Manifesto has been released with a promise to protect public services, jobs and to stop public sector budget cuts. The party believes it is in an even stronger position with the possibility of a hung parliament and believes an alliance with the Scottish Nationals will provide devolved Governments with a stronger voice within Westminster. The manifesto will focus on seven key areas:- Protecting the Welsh budget - including jobs, hospitals and schools - from the UK parties' budget cuts; Increasing the state pension; Bringing troops home from Afghanistan and providing more support for the armed forces in terms of aftercare etc; Helping Welsh business grow by improving connectivity through broadband and high-speed rail links as well as creating a venture capital fund; Creating a new environmental action plan to enable Wales to lead the way in cutting carbon emissions and create high-quality green jobs; Having full law making powers devolved to the National Assembly; Tackling the deficit by stopping costly and unnecessary Government spending; closing tax loopholes and introducing more progressive taxation measures. Plaid also wants to see reform of the banks and for bonuses to be curbed immediately. In terms of housing, its focus remains largely on affordable housing, with the party stating that everybody should be able to obtain an affordable home of decent quality in the area where they want to live. It also proposes change in the way housing associations are funded so that Local Authorities can gain access to more funds for social housing. It is also calling for a moratorium on stamp duty for first-time buyers. However, the requirement to tackle the growing housing shortage and to increase house building levels is not specifically covered within the document. Please click here to read the manifesto to top Election dampens house price recovery A lull in the housing market has been predicted by housing experts as the general election campaign destabilises an already fragile sector. Although buyers and sellers are returning in increasing numbers, the fragility in the market means that external factors are having an impact. Figures from HousingExpert. net say at the current rate it would take 10 months to shift all the properties currently on sale. Read more Funding to support delivery improvements by Local Planning Authorities Environment Minister, Jane Davidson, has announced £1.75m of funding to improve the delivery of planning services across Wales. The Minister confirmed that all 25 Local Planning Authorities in Wales (22 Local Authorities and 3 National Parks) would each receive a grant allocation of £70,000 in 2010-11 to continue to support improvements to local planning service delivery . Funding is also being provided to the Planning Portal to support delivery of on-line planning services in Wales, and for post-graduate student bursaries at Cardiff University's City and Regional Planning Department. Speaking about the announcement, the Minister said: "These grants will ensure that planning authorities can continue to fund improvements to the delivery of local planning services, in line with the Assembly Government's commitment to an efficient, open, transparent and inclusive planning process. "Local Planning Authorities have a key role to play in tackling climate change, in shaping communities, and in supporting sustainable economic development. Read more to top Government and political news 2010 Election Manifestos launched The political parties have published their election manifestos this week - ahead of last night's first ever televised political debate between the three main parties' leaders. We highlight below the proposals in the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat manifestos that relate to housing and planning issues. Labour Manifesto On Monday, Labour launched their election manifesto, "A future fair for all". In the foreword, Gordon Brown writes: "This programme for further national renewal meets the big challenges of the age. Our Manifesto is ambitious but affordable, bold but realistic, and learns from the lessons we take from our experience to date. Over the next ten years we will confront major challenges - intensive global competition, climate change, an ageing society, and bringing stability to Afghanistan. This is a moment for good judgement and serious purpose to meet the challenges ahead. "Our aim is a modern, progressive Britain based on fairness, respect, decency and openness. This is a Manifesto about the greater progressive change we need because of the tougher times we are living through." The key points regarding housing include: Confirmation that there will be no stamp duty for first-time buyers on all house purchases below £250,000 for two years, paid for by a five per cent rate on homes worth more than £1m; Continuation of the Home Buy Direct scheme; In addition, working with Housing Associations Labour will look to develop ‘a new form of affordable housing targeted at working families on modest incomes who struggle in the private sector and rarely qualify for social housing". This would focus on enabling rent at below market rates while people build up an equity stake; Local Authorities should be able to provide social housing in the future; and the manifesto proposes to reform the council house financing system to enable Local Authorities to build up to 10,000 council houses a year by the end of the next Parliament; Strengthen regulation to ensure consistent standards of consumer protection from repossession, making the Financial Services Authority responsible for the regulation of all mortgages; Guarantee the three million households who rent from a private landlord the right to a written tenancy agreement and access to free and impartial advice - establishing a new National Landlord Register; Labour will look to sustain the Green Belt and maintain the target that 60% of new development should be on brownfield land. Read more to top Conservative Manifesto David Cameron's personal introduction to the Conservative Party manifesto, "Invitation to join the Government of Britain", stated that: "A country is at its best when the bonds between people are strong and when the sense of national purpose is clear. Today the challenges facing Britain are immense. Our economy is overwhelmed by debt, our social fabric is frayed and our political system has betrayed the people. But these problems can be overcome if we pull together and work together. If we remember that we are all in this together. "Some politicians say: ‘give us your vote and we will sort out all your problems'. We say: real change comes not from government alone. Real change comes when the people are inspired and mobilised, when millions of us are fired up to play a part in the nation's future. "How will we deal with the debt crisis unless we understand that we are all in this together? How will we raise responsible children unless every adult plays their part? How will we revitalise communities unless people stop asking ‘who will fix this?' and start asking ‘what can I do?' Britain will change for the better when we all elect to take part, to take responsibility - if we all come together. Collective strength will overpower our problems." His message was encapsulated in the concept of offering a change "from big Government to Big Society". The key points regarding housing and planning include: Permanently raise the stamp duty threshold to £250,000 for first-time buyers; Match pound for pound the council tax receipts that local authorities receive from new homes to encourage "sensitive" local development; Developers will have to pay a tariff to the local authority to compensate the community for loss of amenity and costs of new infrastructure; Abolish Home Information Packs; Publish and present to parliament for debate a consolidated national planning framework; Abolish the power of planning inspectors to rewrite local housing plans; Create new local housing trusts to allow communities to grant planning permission for new housing within villages and town; Limit appeals against local planning decisions to cases that involve a failure to apply the specific local plan; Abolish Regional Spatial Strategies and building targets; Create a presumption in favour of sustainable development in the planning system; Maintain national Green Belt protection. Read more to top Liberal Democrat manifesto Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg's speech at the launch of the Liberal Democrat's General Election manifesto, "Change that works for you", set out four priorities: "Every manifesto needs to have an idea at its heart. The basic idea that animates this manifesto is something I have always believed. I believe every single person is extraordinary... "Our manifesto will hardwire fairness into British society. This isn't a promise, it's a plan. A plan based on four steps that will make a real difference to you and to your family. Four steps to a fairer Britain - specific, concrete, tangible. So you know what fairness really feels like. Change that you can trust. Four steps, right there on the front cover of our manifesto." Fair taxes that put money back in your pocket A fair chance for every child A fair future, creating jobs by making Britain greener A fair deal for you from politicians The key points regarding housing include: Bringing 250,000 empty homes back into use. People who own these homes will get a grant or a cheap loan to renovate them so that they can be used: grants if the home is for social housing, loans for private use; Reforming public sector borrowing requirements to free councils to borrow money against their assets in order to build new council housing; and allow them to keep all the revenue from these new homes; Protecting greenbelt land and the built heritage by reducing the cost of repairs. The Liberal Democrats would equalise VAT on new build and repair on a revenue neutral basis; Promoting schemes for affordable homes like equity mortgages; Introducing "Home on a Farm" scheme, which encourages farmers to convert existing buildings into affordable housing; Scrap Home Information Packs; Ensure all homes are fully energy efficient by improving building regulation; Stopping "garden grabbing" by defining gardens as green field sites in planning law; Giving Local Authorities the power to require specific planning permission for new second homes in areas where the number of such homes threatens the community; Abolishing the Infrastructure Planning Commission and return decision making, including housing targets, to local people; Creating a third-party right of appeal in cases where planning decisions go against locally agreed plans. Read more to top HBF analysis Overall there is relatively little that is new in any of the three manifestos on housing. The Labour Party's proposal to continue the HomeBuy Direct scheme is welcome and reflects discussions that HBF has been holding with government and the HCA. The Liberal Democrat proposal to equalise VAT on new build and repair would naturally raise concerns for home builders. The Conservative and Labour manifestos both recognise and seek to assist the aspiration for home ownership, but none of the manifestos has a frontline housing chapter or explicitly mentions the housing supply crisis and the need to tackle this. The Liberal Democrat manifesto has the least to say about encouraging the private housing market to provide homes. It is disappointing that the issue of housing supply has not been recognised in the three documents, but the practical reality of life beyond the election is likely to be that housing pressures cannot be ignored for long by whoever forms the new government. HBF will therefore be setting out clear Day One priorities for action to put to the new administration. to top Housing market news CLG: House price index - February 2010 The latest UK house price index statistics produced by Communities and Local Government were released this week. The latest statistics release includes data based on mortgage completions during the month of February 2010. The key points from the release are: UK house prices were 7.4% higher than in February 2009 and 0.1% lower than in January 2010 (seasonally adjusted); The mix-adjusted average house price in the UK stood at £204,359 in February 2010 (not seasonally adjusted); UK house prices rose by 2.9% in the quarter ending February 2010. This compares with a larger rise of 3.4% for the quarter ending November 2009 (seasonally adjusted); Annual average house prices rose in England (7.9%), Scotland (4.2%) and Wales (4.7%), but fell in Northern Ireland (-8.3%); Annual average house prices paid by first time buyers in February 2010 were 9.3% higher than a year ago. Average house prices paid by former owner occupiers were 6.6% higher; Annual average house prices paid for new properties in February 2010 were 3.9% lower than a year ago. Average house prices paid on pre-owned dwellings were 8.2% higher. Read more to top CML: Mortgage market saw modest recovery in February The number of loans advanced for house purchase increased by 12% in February, according to figures released this week by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). The position in January was extremely weak due to one-off factors such as the effect of the end of the stamp-duty exemption in December 2009 and the severe winter weather. So the 35,000 loans advanced (worth £5bn) in February signifies a modest recovery, although they were up by 49% in volume and by 67% in value from a year earlier. The end of the stamp duty holiday in December meant there were fewer first-time buyers in January. As a result their numbers rose slightly faster than the rest of the market in February with 12,600 loans advanced (worth £1.5bn), up 13% by number and 15% by value on January. Home mover activity, which was less affected by the stamp duty holiday of 2008 and 2009, did not see as much of a rebound. The number of transactions was still higher with 22,600 loans advanced, (worth £3.5bn), up 11% by number and 6% by value on January. Commenting on the data, CML Head of Research Bob Pannell said: "With the supply of credit still tight and the upcoming election causing political uncertainty, we are unlikely to see much change in the near future although the new stamp duty exemption for first-time buyers could boost the market somewhat and we hope to see the traditional seasonal pick-up as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer. "The start of the year is traditionally a quiet period for mortgage lending. This year though, transactions have been affected by the ending of 2009's stamp duty concession and the harsh weather, making it hard to identify clear trends in recent months." Read more to top RICS: Vendor activity picks up but house price rise slows In the latest RICS UK Housing Market Survey, surveyors recorded the highest reading of vendor activity since May 2007 - the month before the introduction of HIPS - whilst the rate of house price rises slowed. The Survey also reveals that for the third consecutive month, the new instructions net balance outpaced the new buyer enquiries net balance. A net balance of 21% of surveyors saw a rise in new instructions which compares with a balance of 16% in February. New buyer enquiries stabilised in March, the net balance falling from 7% to zero. Surveyors report that political uncertainty is pushing vendors to market their property before the impending General Election. 9% more Chartered Surveyors reported a rise than a fall in house prices down from 18% in February. There was significant variation in regional price trends, London, the South East and Scotland are the performing markets but according to surveyors, more respondents reported that prices are now falling rather than rising in East Anglia, Yorkshire and Humberside, the North and the West Midlands. RICS states that activity is expected to rise over the coming months, but at a more subdued pace than was expected in February. The sales expectations net balance fell from a positive 15% to 5%. Prices are expected to more or less stabilise over the coming months. The price expectations net balance fell from a positive 5% to -2 in March. The average stock of property on surveyors' books increased 6% on the month to 67 properties per surveyor, the largest monthly increase since February 2008. However, the average number of completed sales fell by 2.8% on the month to 17.1 per surveyor. This had the effect of lowering the sales to stock ratio - a key indicator of future house price inflation - from 27.8% in February to 25.5 in March which is the lowest reading since July 2009. Read more NAEA: Spring shoots spark recovery The number of people selling their homes rose in March to its highest level in six months, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). The average number of properties for sale per branch increased from 56 in February to 60 in March. This is the highest figure since September last year. The arrival of spring also brought an influx of new house hunters to the market. In March, 274 people registered per branch, compared to 258 in February, an increase of 7%. The number of sales agreed also increased, from an average of seven per branch to eight. The percentage of sales to first time buyers (FTBs) decreased slightly from 24% in February to 23% in this month. President of the NAEA, Gary Smith, said: "Spring has finally arrived and brought with it a much needed boost to the housing market, particularly amongst sellers. "This figure has been low in recent months and this is a welcome indication that reflects a growing confidence that the recovery is well underway." Read more to top Industry news RICS manifesto launched: "Better investment in housing" The Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors launched it's manifesto this week, stating that it believes that housing markets need to become more resilient to world economic conditions, and attractive to personal and institutional investors. This would be achieved through: Long-term, institutional investment in the private rented sector; A straightforward, well marketed set of low cost home ownership products to clear up confusion on affordable housing; Initiatives and financial models that create balanced communities; Investment in low carbon products to retrofit existing housing stocks and meet global emission targets; A new approach to housing an ageing society through financial and fiscal incentives; Closer working on new housing developments between local authorities and the private sector. Read more to top RTPI: Manifesto for planning The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has launched its ‘Planning: Shaping the Future' manifesto this week. The document argues that planning is one of the essential mechanisms through which many of the next Government's key objectives can be delivered on the ground. It also sets out a clear vision for a planning system that is effective, responsive and fit for purpose, at a time when each of the political parties has radically differing ideas about how the planning system should operate. In the manifesto, the Institute argues that the current planning system is not ‘broken' and that the challenge for the next Government will to be to build on the strong foundations of the existing system, especially to help drive forward economic recovery whilst involving local people in a meaningful way to shape the right decisions about their communities. The RTPI believes that the next Government must take a serious look at how we plan for the future, arguing that strategic planning at the international, national and sub-national levels, through an integrated and genuinely spatial approach, is vital to ensure that the needs of the wider than local community interest are properly addressed. Martin Willey, Chair of the RTPI's Planning Policy and Practice Committee said: "The RTPI's Manifesto for Planning could not come at a more important moment. It is absolutely essential that the importance and value of planning is restated to an incoming Government and that a clear view of what the profession stands for and seeks in the future is widely promoted. "The Manifesto sets out the way forward for an effective and responsive planning system, and the Institute and its members are ready to play their key role in shaping economic recovery through the planning system, ensuring that development is sustainable and climate change proof." Read more to top HBF news North of the Thames MDs' meeting The HBF's "Principals North of the Thames" dinner meeting for managing directors was held last night at Cockfosters, North London. The meeting discussed current issues including the general election and political outlook, planning, bonding and fees. Rob Pannell of the Zero Carbon Hub gave a presentation and answered questions on the Hub's work programme, including its important recent work on the proposed minimum fabric efficiency standard under the zero carbon policy. New HBF Chairman for Yorkshire and Humberside HBF is pleased to announce that Jolyon Harrison of Gleeson Homes has kindly agreed to take on the HBF's regional Chairmanship for Yorkshire and Humberside. The next Yorkshire Managing Directors' dinner meeting will be held on the evening of 1st June. to top Construction ‘On Thin Ice' Mark Starling, Safety, Health & Environmental Manager, Kier Partnership Homes is now on an adventure to the 1996 Position of the Magnetic North Pole covering a distance of 360 nautical miles. He set out from Resolute Bay in the high Canadian Arctic in March heading to the Magnetic North Pole. If successful the expedition will be the first all British team to attempt the pole completely unsupported. Unsupported means the team will be pulling all of their food and equipment throughout the trek on pulks; there will be no resupplies or checkpoints en route. The course will take Mark through the high Canadian Arctic on the sea ice where he could experience temperatures as low as -50°C and will be travelling through the home of the polar bear. This is one of the harshest yet most beautiful environments in the world. This is an exciting union between COINS and Kier Group, with an objective to raise minimally £50,000 that will go directly to COINS Foundation projects. Mark's place has been sponsored by COINS and the Kier Group have given Mark five weeks leave of absence to train for and complete the expedition. The COINS Foundation seeks to work in genuine partnership to address the needs of the most excluded communities in the world, building schools, hospitals and homes. If you would like to sponsor Mark in this epic expedition, you can at: www.justgiving.com/markstarlingnorthpole201 You can follow the Team on a map located at http://www.coinsfoundation.org/ or http://www.arcticexpeditions.co.uk/ For more information please contact: Jo Franklin, COINS Marketing Director on +44 (0) 1753 501000 to top Events Housebuilder Awards 2010 - call for entries Entries can now be submitted for this year's prestigious Housebuilder awards. Now in its 6th year - the Housebuilder Awards bring together the best of innovation and excellence in the house building industry. The Housebuilder Awards are the highlight of the house building calendar, celebrating the very best of the industry and recognising the achievements of those leading the way in innovation. This year the winners will be announced at a glamorous black tie event on the night of Thursday 28th October at the Millennium London Mayfair Hotel. Please click here http://www.house-builder.co.uk/awards/ to visit the website, see all categories and to download Entry is free - deadline Friday 7th May 2010 Housing Market Intelligence 2010 - October 12th, Savoy Place, London This year's Housing Market Intelligence conference and annual report launch will be held on Tuesday 12th October at Savoy Place in London. Now in its eighth year, Housing Market Intelligence has become the leading strategic conference for the house building industry. This year the event is expected to sum up the new political climate nearly six months after the election, as well as providing analysis and insight into the market, the economy, the sustainability agenda, mortgages and all the key issues for house builders and associated companies. Full details will be published over the summer but note the date in your diary today! to top HBF Golf Day - Tuesday 13th July 2010 - Woburn Golf Course There are now just a few team places remaining for the HBF Golf day in July. The event will take place on the stunning Duke's course at Woburn, for many years home to the British Masters and will see teams from across the industry battling to be crowned the unofficial house building golf champions. Please click here for more information North West Social Dinner The HBF North West Social Dinner will this year take place on Friday 10th at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. Although it didn't take place last year, regulars are booking in their droves for what is always a fun evening. To find out more please click here to top HBF Ball Also returning for 2010 on Friday 10th December at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, London, is the HBF Ball, traditionally the social highlight of the industry's year. For more details please click here HBF AGM & lunch Wednesday 28th April - the Hyatt Regency Hotel - the Churchill All tables are now sold out but there are just a few seats left for the HBF Annual Industry Lunch, that will take place on Wednesday 28th April at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, London. The day will begin with the AGM and Open Council meeting, which can both be attended by members, and be followed a drinks reception and the annual lunch. The speakers at the lunch will be Labour MP and ex-housing minister Nick Raynsford and Conservative MP and ex secretary of state for the Environment John Gummer. If you have any queries about any of the above please contact the events team on 020 7960 1646 and events@house-builder.co.uk Please click here to download a booking form to top Robust Details seminars RD has announced a series of regional seminars. They will take place; 30th June - Huddersfield 1st July - Coventry 15th July - Surrey These seminars will provide delegates with a full update on robust details developments. As well as the ‘latest news' affecting Part E and sound insulation, the seminars will anticipate the effects of the new Part L on the design of separating walls and floors. A full panel of experts will be on hand for all your sound insulation concerns. To download a booking form or pay online please visit www.house-builder.co.uk/rdl or call events on 020 7960 1646 with any queries. Habitat for Humanity's Hope Challenge 11-13th June 2010 - registration deadline approaching Habitat for Humanity, HBF's nominated charity will again be holding its Hope Challenge event in 2010. This unique and exciting outdoor challenge event will see teams; Spending two days and two nights in the great outdoors Sleeping in a self built shelter Undertaking mental and physical team challenges Last year's Hope Challenge was a huge success and had the competitors trekking around the Edale and Hope Valleys, with a base camp in the sheltered Vale of Edale. In 2010 HforH are planning a larger and more exciting event with walking routes encompassing the surrounding hills including the Skyline Ridge over Mam Tor and the lower reaches of Kinder Scout. However this is no ordinary weekend of walking! Participating teams will also be tested on their initiative and teamwork... and by building, and sleeping out in, their very own shelter they will experience some of the challenges faced by those who live in poverty housing. Registration for teams wishing to take part in Hope Challenge 2010 will be closing on 14th May. Everyone interested in participating is urged to register their team online at http://www.hopechallenge.org.uk/ as soon as possible. Register your team for Hope Challenge 2010 Find out more about Hope Challenge 2010 Take a look at the photos and video of Hope Challenge 2009 Contact HfH with any questions about Hope Challenge to top For other HBF events visit the website http://www.hbf.co.uk/index.php?id=eventsandmeetings For HBM events visit http://www.hbmedia.co.uk/ to top Rosie Hinchliffe View Previous Weekly News Summary
