Labour proposes renters’ unions and second home levy

A Labour government will set up and fund renters’ unions and put a tax on second homes to help improve conditions in the housing market. Shadow secretary of state for housing, John Healey, said at the annual Labour Conference that the party would attack the gap between the have and have-nots. “The next Labour government will strike a blow against inequality with a new national levy on second homes used as holiday homes to give homeless families a chance at their first home,” he said. It would also increase backing for renters’ rights. “[The government] will back new renters’ unions and fund them in every part of the country, so that renters who feel helpless in the face of the housing crisis can organise and defend their rights.” In strongly applauded address, he said the “next Labour government would be the most radical government on housing since that great Labour government after the war”. He said the party is winning the argument on affordable housing, forcing the Conservative government to change tack. Other party plans include setting up a fully-fledged housing department, controlling rents and rogue landlords, and building council homes. To send feedback, e-mail alex.peace@egi.co.uk or tweet @EGAlexPeace or @estatesgazette