ADAM Offer, managing director of Besley Hill Estate Agents, which has 15 offices throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire, has welcomed the government’s measures to fix the housing crisis.

Commenting on the new housing strategy for England, revealed in a White Paper, Mr Offer said: “I think it’s a grand plan with loads of different facets. There are many old chestnuts plus some newer ideas, too. But overall anything to help with the supply of suitable homes to the market has to be welcome.

“So it is about execution of those ideas and getting the government firmly behind the ideas and kicking butt to make sure that it happens.

“I agree the foundations need to be laid now (excuse the pun) and the plan will live or die by how much effort is put into ensuring it happens. The White Paper has clearly identified the problem, offered solutions – so the devil will be in the execution, as always.

“I am disappointed that there is little mention of personal tax breaks regarding property. Double MIRAS in the 1980s gave tax breaks for home ownership without adding extra debt on buyers as Help to Buy does.

“Similarly, if tax breaks were offered for personal pensions, this would be a great source of funding for the buy-to-let market rather than relying on institutional landlords. Institutional landlords are scarce, certainly in the West Country.

“The government has made its plans clear on this by adding tax onto private landlords and, in effect, cutting this market – exacerbating the lack of rental homes coming to the market.

“Also, the much-muted plans to cut application fees for tenants will simply drive rents up. I think regulating letting agents would be a far better way of influencing this market.

“So they have missed a few tricks in my view. But, nevertheless, it’s a good effort, and as I said earlier, now get on with it, please.”