wrencat1873 wrote:We have been in extreme turbulence for most of the last 12+ months.
Many millions of the working population have done rather well too, with furlough offering huge amounts of "free time" paid for by the tax payer.
However, when people have been actively encouraged to invest in bricks and mortar (which is a good thing), it would be absolutely crippling to see the cost of borrowing rise significantly.
I'm sure that you remember the days of negative equity and all that comes with that problem and it could be argued that people should have budgeted for an increase in interest rates but, the reality is that with house prices being so high, huge numbers have to "max out" just to get on the first rung of the property ladder.
My point with this is that our PM has taken the opposite view of many of his recent predecessors and seems to be encouraging some wage inflation, which by any count is reckless but, of course, we are on our way to a utopian "high paying high skilled economy".
I get the need to be positive but, Bojo is over egging the pudding, again.

Backwoodsman wrote:Agree with several of your points (I am started to get worried on that one) . The problem with the housing market is the lack of social housing , both labour and the tories have never grasped the nettle on that one. The high house prices obviously translate to high house rents, thus effectively reducing living standards for young people as a large part of income goes on housing. Not certain Johnson envisaged that , usually a labour shortage increases wages as employers bid for labour. Especially skilled labour. The colossal mismanagement of the countries energy systems by both labour and tories is disgraceful. Although most of the blame lies with the tories, as winter unfolds and energy bills rise, many people will be pushed into poverty. Personally I think it may be of such magnitude it could bring down the government. My pal is a food wholesaler goods coming into him over the last few weeks have increased by 25%. All in all we look to be on the brink of some desperate times ,especially if it’s a harsh winter.

wrencat1873 wrote:Maybe our politics aren't as far apart as you think
Although it secured Thatcher an extra term at no 10, selling off social housing stock and more importantly, not replacing it was criminal.
It was a calculated move to bring some traditional Labour supporters on board and there aren't too many people that given the chance, would refuse a 70% ? discount on their house purchase.
Yes, it meant an increase in home ownership and removed the "burden" on local authorities having to mange housing stock but, it was wrong.
The current trend of turning office blocks into housing, while helping with the housing shortage is storing up problems for the future.
Whilst they do provide a roof over someone's head, many of the conversions dont provide adequate housing or, the other amenities that come with "proper" housing developments ie space and recreationist facilities.
As you say, both parties are guilty of ignoring this issue

Zoo Zoo Boom wrote:All good points but where do you build all this housing and given the cost of the land how do you make them viable?

wrencat1873 wrote:Scotland, there is loads of room up there

As for where to build, it doesn't seem to be a problem near us. The place where I live has just about doubled in size over the last 30 years and still it increases.
I heard a while ago that Wakefield were having to take on some of Leeds "quota" for new houses ?

Zoo Zoo Boom wrote:All good points but where do you build all this housing and given the cost of the land how do you make them viable?

silver2 wrote:Back in the day, councils were able to buy agricultural land at agricultural prices. Unfortunately, one of the Tory governments decided that if the land was to be used for housing, the land owners should receive an appropriate price.
This made a lot of Tory land owners very happy and very rich.

Willzay wrote:See Boris is in hiding again. It’s a good thing we’re not at war.