Quick Search
What's New
Property Investments
16 May 2013
At scottfraser Investments we have our finger firmly on the pulse of the Oxford investment market.
Our Investment Search and Acquisition Service is tailored to the needs of landlords who lack the time, experience or desire to commit to researching the market and undertaking the necessary legwork for viewing properties.
John Gebbels, Property Investment Manager, brings a decade of experience both in Oxford and Central London, and specialises in sourcing and securing prime buy-to-let property.
Government to set up "beds in sheds" tax force
11 May 2012
Government plans to tackle ‘beds in sheds’ have been unveiled.
Housing minister Grant Shapps and immigration minister Damian Green will launch a cross-Whitehall task force dedicated to tackling the issue today.
The ministers will discuss the problem of sheds and outbuildings being rented out illegally – often to migrants - with police, immigration and council officials. They plan to act against criminal landlords and remove illegal immigrants.
Living conditions in the sheds are often squalid and high rents are charged.
The government’s proposals include:
- encouraging councils to make greater use of legal powers across planning, fire safety, housing and environmental health
- measuring the extent and nature of the problem, drawing on information collected by central government and councils
- ensuring councils and the police share available intelligence
- closer working with foreign authorities to help those wanting to return home
- steps to prevent more ‘beds in sheds’ from being created.
Mr Grant Shapps said: ‘It is a scandal that these back garden slums exist to exploit people, many of whom are prepared to return voluntarily to their home country but instead find themselves trapped into paying extortionate rents to live in these cramped conditions. I want to see a crackdown on these criminal landlords.’
Mr Green said: ‘Those with no right to be in the UK must leave the country. If they volunteer to leave, we will help. If they refuse, we will enforce their removal.’
Last month communities secretary Eric Pickles accused councils of lacking the ‘willpower’ to tackle the problem. Responding to a question in parliament, Mr Pickles said there were sufficient powers to address the problem but councils were not dealing with it adequately.
Housing minister Grant Shapps met with local authorities to discuss the issue.
Emily Courtney
Property Manager - Headington Lettings & Property Management
01865 761111 / emily-jane@scottfraser.co.uk
Source: http://www.insidehousing.co.uk
|
|
