1. uncle tom said...

Checking the Bookies odds, I see that the betting industry reckons there is an 80% chance that the Conservatives will win the next election with an overall majority, and the Labour's chances of remaining in power are just 8%.

If the Conservatives had to form a coalition, it is unlikely that the price for the support of minor parties would alter their housing policy.

This is the Tory housing policy, exactly as it appears on their website:

We need more homes – but they must be built in a way that protects the environment and provides the infrastructure to support local communities.

That’s why local people need to decide where new homes should go, instead of Whitehall bureaucrats. And that’s why we will use incentives to encourage new homes to be built, rather than letting unelected quangos impose unsustainable development on communities.

Labour’s planning rules have resulted in a shortage of family homes and the bulldozing of homes with gardens - and they have prevented the market building new homes with parking spaces and gardens. A Conservative Government will change these rules as a matter of urgency.

Mr. Brown’s property tax hikes have helped kick a whole generation off the housing ladder. We will address this by:

Scrapping Stamp Duty for first-time buyers on homes up to £250,000, so that nine out of ten pay nothing
Abolishing Home Information Packs which have made moving house even more expensive and difficult
Whereas Labour have curtailed the right of social tenants to own their home, a Conservative Government will make it easier for social tenants to own or part-own their home. This will not only help people up the housing ladder, but also ensure residents have greater pride and a greater stake in their community.

I'd say that Mr Ockendon is like the chief Turkey - trying to explain why he believes Christmas will be cancelled..