More in Common projects Labour on 250 seats against Reform on 147
‘I can deliver’: Burnham pledges radical change on eve of Labour conference
Labour has already made three policy announcements at this conference, before the main proceedings have already started. They are:
1) A revived version of “help-to-buy”, called “Your First Home”. (See 8.39am.) In a note explaining the policy, Labour says:
A new equity loan scheme to help first-time buyers to purchase new build homes will be set out by the chancellor at the budget next month, with pre-registration open by the end of 2026.
Support will be targeted to help those without access to the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to get on the housing ladder to buy a modest new build home.
Under the scheme, eligible young people on health benefits will be offered a guaranteed job on a voluntary basis just three months after their work capability assessment.
They will receive mentoring and tailored support with their mental health, finances and housing to prepare them for work from partner organisations, while employers will be supported with onboarding costs.
Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) allow councils to take over the management of long-term empty homes and bring them back into occupation for an initial period of 12 months, up to a total of 8 years, but no applications have been made since 2021.
In the English devolution white paper, the government committed to strengthen local authority powers to take over management of empty properties.
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