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Written question asked by Peter Kyle (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 October 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 October 2020 (named day). It was answered by Christopher Pincher (Conservative) on Friday, 23 October 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Flats: Insulation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the situation of (a) buyers and (b) leaseholders of low-level flats who are unable to obtain mortgages or re-mortgage their properties because they do not possess an External Wall System 1 form; and whether the Government will take that matter into account in deciding whether to extend the cut to Stamp Duty Land Tax beyond 31 March 2021.

Answer

The External Wall System form (EWS1) and process was designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) with mortgage lenders to assist with valuation of high-rise residential buildings. It is not a Government policy or regulatory requirement and the Government does not support a blanket approach in EWS1 use for lower risk properties. Some lenders do not require an EWS1 form, and others seek them for a greater range of buildings than the process was designed for. It is not a Government policy or regulatory requirement and the department does not hold data on its use.

The temporary increase in the Stamp Duty Land Tax nil rate band was designed to provide an immediate stimulus to the property market, where property transactions fell during the COVID-19 lockdown. The Government does not plan to extend this relief and will continue to monitor the property market.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
106433
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Fire prevention Insulation Flats Mortgages Stamp duty land tax
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk