The Chancellor of the Exchequer recently announced the UK budget for 2021, and while there were some positive initiatives, Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity, has criticized the lack of focus on housing.
The Chancellor’s budget included plans to reduce the stamp duty threshold from £125,000 to £500,000 until June 2021, as well as a freeze on council tax and business rates. While these measures are welcome, Shelter believes that more could have been done to tackle the UK’s housing crisis.
The charity has highlighted that the budget did not include any measures to help those struggling with their rent or mortgage payments, or any plans to increase the supply of social housing. Shelter has also pointed out that the Chancellor’s stamp duty cut will only benefit those who can afford to buy a home, and will do nothing to help those who are already struggling to keep a roof over their head.
The charity has called on the government to take action to address the housing crisis, including increasing the supply of social housing and introducing measures to help those struggling with their rent or mortgage payments. Shelter has also urged the government to invest in services that help people to stay in their homes, such as debt advice and mental health support.
The UK’s housing crisis is a major issue, and Shelter believes that the Chancellor’s budget does not go far enough in addressing it. The charity is calling on the government to take urgent action to tackle the crisis and ensure that everyone has access to a safe and secure home.