RICS Public Affairs Blog

What is the RICS doing on Empty Property Rates?

The short answer is: plenty.

Since early last year RICS has been working with the Government and Opposition politicians to raise our concerns; briefing MPs and Peers on parliamentary debates and holding regular meetings with both HM Treasury and CLG to air our grievances.

Some of the foremost concerns raised by RICS members relates to our public affairs influencing work. In a difficult economic climate we know you want to know what we are doing to lobby Government on various issues that affect your practice.

Which is why I would urge you to sign up to our Public Affairs newsletter, RICS Connect, a e-publication which highlights our policy, economics, regulation policy and public affairs work.

Previous editions - 

November 14 2008 http://rics.gtml2.com/rics_defaultLZ/lz.aspx?p1=0519029S075&CC=&p=0&cID=0&cValue=1

October 24 2008 http://www.rics.org/NR/rdonlyres/C0D2DEA2-7418-47BE-AA24-AFB940C11D3D/0/20081024_connect.html

September 2 2008 http://www.rics.org/NR/rdonlyres/657218EC-B958-4C86-B19A-7B87500A4B3C/0/02090828_connect.html

The questions you may have (some samples are listed below) are all addressed in our newsletter:

Why is not RICS lobbying the Government to address the threshold of stamp duty, to kickstart the housing slump?

What has RICS been doing to influence the Planning Bill? 

Isn't it time you voiced your concerns about the HIPS package?

To sign up, email PWilcock@rics.org

Simon and the Treasury Select Committee

RICS Chief Economist Simon Rubinsohn was called before the influential Treasury Select Committee for a one-off evidence session on the economics of the housing market alongside several experts this morning. This coincided with the release of our September Housing Market Survey which showed a new low in housing transactions.

In short, we were asked our views on the supply of new build, the lettings market, projections over household growth, the use of private rented sector, our policy on first time buyers and a specific question on our view of the speculation surrounding a stamp duty holiday in August. Residential Policy Officer James Rowlands and I attended the hearing and agreed Simon performed very well indeed (no, we're not biased at all).

To view a more detailed report, click here.

New Housing Minister - Margaret Beckett

It has been confirmed that Margaret Beckett has been appointed the new Housing Minister following today's reshuffle; Caroline Flint leaves CLG to become the new Minister for Europe. Peter Mandelson replaces John Hutton as BERR Secretary in a controversial move.

The PA team will be keeping a close watch on developments and naturally trying to engage with the new Ministers at an early stage.

2008 Conservative Conference - Day 4

The queue for the leader's speech had snaked round one corner of the ICC even before midday. The party faithful and observers alike waited expectantly for David Cameron to take centre stage in what has been a successful conference for the Tories. To view the full speech, click here.

Earlier in the day Shadow Communities Secretary Eric Pickles took to the stage for a discussion with CPRE President Bill Bryson. Pickles criticised what he saw as the Government's plans to "bulldoze" the Greenbelt in order to make way for more housing. He did not, however, offer any suggestions as to where new houses should be built. Instead, county councils should be given greater power over local planning decisions, Pickles added, in a scathing attack on the Infrastructure Planning Commission currently being considered in the Planning Bill.

2008 Conservative Conference - Day 3

Day 3 of the conference and the news was centred around the congressional defeat of the Wall Street rescue plan. David Cameron offered what many have described as a 'Prime Minsterial' speech backing the Government.  

The media has also remarked on the decisiveness of George Osborne who has left conference to meet with the Chancellor. Overall the mood remains buoyant (but cautious) and a few slips of the tongue by Tory panelists reveal the party views itself as the Government-in-waiting.

I attended two fringe events on skills with the ever-familiar cast of characters discussing the need for industry (and particular private companies) to invest in apprenticeship programmes, even in this time of economic downturn, to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place for the future growth of towns and cities. Gillian and Dan were able to meet with Jacqui Lait, Shadow Minister for Planning, who coincidentally is staying in the same hotel as us!

More news tomorrow on the Leader's speech. 

2008 Conservatives Conference - Birmingham Day 1 & 2

Lembit resigns

Lembit Öpik has announced his resignation as housing spokesperson to pursue the position of Liberal Democrat party president, a position up for grabs when Simon Hughes MP steps down later this year. Julia Goldsworthy who is currently shadow CLG secretary will assume his responsibilities.

Unfortunately for Lembit this team spotted a fair few 'I'm 4 Ros' badges at Bournemouth last week on delegates offering support for Baroness Scott of Needham Market (also a former CLG spokesperson and a strong contender for the position) - but none for him.

Labour Conference 2008 - Day 4 Gordon Brown delivers conference speech

Gordon Brown delivered his major speech at today's conference. It drew on the theme of Fairness. But he called for a  new settlement for these times. He was focussed on stabilising markets and rebuilding the world's financial system. He also wants an 80% reduction in Carbon emissions and committed to new power - nuclear, renewables and clean coal and viewed that over 1 million "green jobs" could be created.  
http://www.labour.org.uk/gordon_brown_conference

In an amusing twist the Prime Minister stated "Everyone knows that I'm all in favour of apprenticeships, but let me tell you this is no time for a novice"  

But was this aimed at David Cameron or David Miliband or both ? 

There was a big focus on health and major new initiatives for children .

Earlier in the day Hazel Blears and Caroline Flint outlined Labor's views on communities and housing. Speeches are below.  
http://www.labour.org.uk/hazel_blears_speech

http://www.labour.org.uk/caroline_flint_speech 

2008 Labour Conference - Day 3 (Manchester)

2008 Labour Conference - Day 2 (Manchester)

2008 Labour Conference - Day 1 - Manchester

I hope to report in each day with news from the Labour Conference.  

Labour's Conference Chair Dianne Hayter (who is also Chair of our new Property Standards Board)  gave a strong opening speech. She acknowledged Labour's difficulties over the past year - but spoke about the need to prepare Labour for the next generation of challenges in an ever changing world. 

Prime Minister Gordon Brown was also on hand to award Lord Gould with an achievement award.    

For tonight I'm off to two fringe events - firstly one on Housing (Shelter and Labour Housing Group) where Caroline Flint and Nick Raynesford are expected to speak, this is followed by a New Statesman reception.  Both are sure to provide for an interesting start to the conference.

Don't hesitate to drop me an email for any query in regard to the conference

 Dan Cook

Public Affairs Manager

dcook@rics.org 

Day 3 - Liberal Democrats Conference

On a day dominated in the mainstream news of the collapse of Lehman Brothers in the US, economic policy could not go untouched.

Vincent Cable asserted that Labour had "encouraged a financial system that gambled with other people's money." He put the view that the UK Government should not prop up house prices, nor should they seek to socialise losses whilst privatise profits.

He proposed in current circumstances social landlords need more funding to buy properties, a need for effective regulation and a return to the concept of Homes for Living - not fo gambling. In the move to a post oil economy he also supported more green taxes and supported the need for tax cuts for low and middle income earners.  

A major debate was also held yesterday on ecotowns. This policy off Government widely criticised by members at this conference. Lembit Opik echoed his party members' views but did indicate the principle of more sustainable building was something that he would continue to look at - but in a way that was done in cooperation with local communities and not imposed from Whitehall.

The team from RICS attended a range of fringe events from housing to eco-towns to cities infrastructure to enterprise and innovation. RICS asked a number of questions of Shadow Ministers and experts on panels.  We also attended the Which? manifesto launch last night.  

News from Liberal Democrats Conference

My first event of the UK Party Conference season saw the joint Fabian Society /Centre Forum event - Labour and Lib Dems: allies or Enemies? This provided a fascinating insight into the views of the progressive left politicians within the UK.  Labour MPs Charles Clarke MP and David Lammy MP went head to head with Stephen Williams MP and Vincent Cable MP.

Whilst all acknoweldged the opportunity and common outcomes each party was trying to achieve, ultimately Labour remained wary of the Liberal Democrats decision to contest so many of its seats at the next election.  The Liberal Democrats remained very concerned at Labour's missed opportunities for reform in a number of key policy areas during its period in Government.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg also gave the conference a very relaxed question and answer session. He took the  opportunity to outline his policies on cutting Government spending and providing tax cuts.   

Yesterday I also attended the launch of Urban Hub - a great initiative to bring together a number of planning and urban interest issues together at party conferences this year. John Shipley - Leader of Newcastle Council and Julia Goldsworthy - Shadow CLG spokesperson addressed the launch - which occurred after an Urban Hub event loooking most at housing need and design related issues.  

This morning it was off to an event on the rising cost of living where RICS had the opportunity to ask about the rising cost of fuel on inflation.  

Today there is about to be a key dabate on eco-towns and Vincent Cable is due to give a major speech on economic issues.. stay tuned for more from me during the week.  

European Green Capital of the year

In May 2008, the European Union inaugurated the "European Green Capital Award". As of 2010, one European city will be selected as the European Green Capital of the year, similar to being Cultural Capital of the year.

According to the European Commission the award will be given to a city that:

• Has a consistent record of achieving high environmental standards;
• Is committed to ongoing and ambitious goals for further environmental improvement and sustainable development;
• Can act as a role model to inspire other cities and promote best practices to all other European cities.

Several cities are already preparing their application for this title. Applications for 2010 and 2011 will have to be submitted by 1 October 2008. The winners will be announced in December 2008.

More information can be found on www.europeangreencapital.eu

RICS Residential Property Proposals

This week, RICS has outlined proposals for comprehensive action to address the needs of the UK housing market. A letter has been sent to the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Housing Minister suggesting action under five headings: fiscal/financial, housing models, affordability and supply, regulation and consumer information. At the top of our list is the need to further address liquidity in the financial markets.

RICS proposals were covered by The Guardian, FT, and the Independent, amongst others - a great success for our Press Team.

The Tories have also been quick off the mark to comment. Shadow Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, urged the Government to consider our measures.

In a press release, the Tory frontbencher said, "It's now quite clear that far from being neutral bystanders, Ministers have actually exacerbated the current housing crisis by making partial announcements over Stamp Duty and piling on red tape legislation like Home Information Packs. RICS has produced a range of serious options for the Government to consider, but the worry is that ministers will instead be tempted to come forward with more of their own half-baked announcement which will only add to pressure on hard pressed families."

To view the proposals in full click here to visit our main website.