Councils the key to delivering homes in the credit crunch 

Responding to Housing Minister Caroline Flint's proposals to reduce the impact of the credit crisis on the government's house building programme, London Councils' Executive Member for Housing, Councillor Jamie Carswell said:

"The measures announced today echo what many in the housing sector have long called for and will go some way to addressing the serious cash flow difficulties facing many house builders.

"Local authorities are also eager to play their part in delivering the homes vital for Britain's future prosperity. Their innovation will be vital if the government is to deliver on its ambitions and build successful, sustainable communities.

"However, it is not simply a case of building more homes - we also need to address how we help more low and middle income families into the security of homeownership. In London, where stamp duty averages over £7,500, it represents a real barrier to families whose budgets are already stretched to bursting. Reducing this burden will be a great help.