Propertymark Hits Back At Exclude Buy-to-Let Landlords Decision
The Levelling Up Committee’s Report highlights too many leaseholders will fall through the cracks of the UK Government’s ‘piecemeal measures’ to protect leaseholders from the costs of building safety remediation.
The report is in response to Michael Gove, Secretary of State of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announcement on 10 January where developers will be forced to fix the outstanding cladding issues and agree on a fully-funded plan.
Buy-to-let
The Committee, made up of cross-party MPs, disagrees with the UK Government that only buy-to-let landlords with one other property should be included in the statutory protection for leaseholders. There are other options to exclude wealthy property tycoons without making landlords of more modest means liable. The Committee calls on the UK Government to publish an impact assessment before undertaking any action.
The report features a series of recommendations, including calls to:
Scrap the proposed cap on non-cladding costs for leaseholders
Implement a Comprehensive Building Safety Fund to cover the costs of remediating all building safety defects on any buildings of any height where the original “polluter” cannot be traced
Compensate leaseholders for costs already paid out, including for interim measures and for rises in insurance premiums
Require all relevant parties who played a role in the building safety crisis to contribute to funds for remediation
Ensure the Affordable Homes Programme is protected at its current level and that social housing tenants do not pay the price through costs or diversion of funds away from maintaining their homes or other vital services
Propertymark lobbying
Propertymark (the professional body for the property sector) has argued there is no logical basis to exclude buy-to-let landlords from the same level of financial support as owner-occupiers. Writing to Gove at the end of January seeking urgent clarification on these points and it is positive that the committee shares our views that all landlords should be covered. The same acknowledgement from the UK Government is now needed too.
My List of Best Markets in and Around North West London.
Despite the drowsy weather at the moment, there is a sense that Spring and warmer times are just around the corner! So, I thought I would prepare us for things to do over the weekend by researching into markets in and around North West London.
But first, when did markets become a thing here in the UK?
Markets have been in existence since before the 12th century, when charters became a thing. Most Settlements in England, at least, had an outlet for local artisans and tradesmen, together with farmers who usually sold their goods and wares in the local market. Most Towns that we recognise today started life as a market, then a place of worship, before establishing themselves as regional shopping areas.
In the sixties and seventies, private market operators began an expansion of markets in areas mainly outside these chartered areas and are said to be the forerunners in expanding Sunday trading hours.
And whilst we’re taking a quick history lesson, Borough Market is widely considered London’s oldest retail and wholesale food market; it is also one of the largest food markets in the capital.
Now, onto the main event. My list of markets in North West London for you to enjoy this spring and summer!
Archway Market
Only just making it onto my list, Archway Market is considered to be in North London, but as it sits next to Hampstead, I thought I would include it anyway. It is a fun little market surrounded by lots of cafes, bars and restaurants to help you enjoy your afternoon.
Despite the market’s size, there are plenty of traders to catch your eye. It is a proper foodie market, with traders such as Archway Natural & Organics, Chez Francis et Sylvie, Celtic Bakers and Scarlett’s Vegan Bakes, to name a few, all there to delight your taste buds on a lazy Saturday.
You can also see traders selling handmade jewellery, 2nd handbooks, handmade leather accessories, scented candles and clothing.
This is such a lovely market and is right next door to Archway tube, making it really easy to get to.
The market is open every Saturday!
Have a peek at their website here.
Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market
Queens Park is a busy, bustling market and is excellent for families and children. The market attracts attention for its range of stalls, including free-range and organic poultry and meat, organic and biodynamic vegetables, eggs, juice, seasonal vegetables and fruit.
Another foodie market. Maybe you’re getting the pattern here?! But if you are looking for more than just food traders, don’t worry; there are plenty of other stools here. In fact, there is often an added market area here to called the Salusbury Sunday Market, which is in an indoor hall adjoining Queen’s Park farmer’s Market. Here, you can find a fantastic variety of traders, including women, men and babywear, handmade soaps, French textiles, jewellery, ceramics, etc.
You can find out more by visiting their websites below.