Mixed reception for budget
01 May 2008
Shelter has given a mixed reception to Chancellor Alistair Darling's first budget. Chief executive Adam Sampson welcomed measures to end child poverty, but criticised the Government for failing to 'stave off the growing repossession crisis'.
Mr Sampson said; 'We are disappointed the Chancellor failed to announce more protection for the 45,000 homeowners predicted to lose their homes through repossession this year, but we are pleased to see measures to make work pay for parents.
'While stamp duty and fixed term mortgages are good news for future homeowners, we wanted to see the Government announce plans to repair the broken state safety net to stave off the growing repossession crisis, which is only set to get worse if nothing is done to address it.
He added: 'However, reforms to housing benefit are an important first step towards meeting the Government's child poverty targets and we look forward to seeing the details of how these proposals will make a real difference to children's lives.
Adam Sampson added: 'The gift aid rate remaining at 22 per cent is good news for charities and will certainly help Shelter continue to provide vital housing advice for thousands of families across Britain.'
