Alex Cann

7:00am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Bryan Adams

Summer of '69

Listen Live Podcasts

Local MP shares speech on home affordability in Skipton and Ripon

Wednesday, 9 April 2025 09:49

Skipton Group featuring Julian Smith.

Skipton and Ripon MP, Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, hosted and delivered a speech at Skipton Group's inaugural Parliamentary Reception on "Unlocking the Home Affordability Challenge for First-Time Buyers."

The event, held on 1st April, at the Thames Pavilion in the Palace of Westminster, brought together key figures from across the housing sector to address the pressing issue of home affordability in the UK.

The event followed as changes have been made to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in England and Northern Ireland.

Julian joined a variety of speakers, including Skipton Group CEO Stuart Haire and Kevin Hollinrake MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The event was chaired by Helia Ebrahimi, Economics Correspondent at Channel 4.

In his speech, Julian emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle the challenge of home affordability.

He highlighted the significant impact of this issue on first-time buyers in his constituency of Skipton and Ripon, and across the UK.

Commenting on the event, Julian said,

"It was great to host The Skipton Group's inaugural Parliamentary Reception was an important step in highlighting and addressing the challenge of home affordability in Skipton and Ripon and across the UK.

"It is essential that parliamentarians, the Government and the wider housing industry work together to find practical solutions that enable more people to achieve homeownership."

The Skipton Group Home Affordability Index, created in partnership with Oxford Economics, was a focal point of the event.

The Index provides insights into the affordability challenges faced by renters, first-time buyers, and homeowners by age, income, geography, and family type.

Attendees had the opportunity to explore the Index's interactive tool and discuss its findings with representatives from Skipton Group and Oxford Economics.

More from Local news

Ricky Durkin announced as new Programme Director at Your Media Group

Ricky Durkin has been named the new Programme Director at Your Media Group.
Organisers reveal details of Silsden Christmas Market

Briggate in Silsden will host its Christmas Market on Sunday 30th November from 10am to 4pm.
VIDEO: Check out a magical local day out on The Polar Express

Special Polar Express-themed trains started on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway this weekend - and we went along to see what it's like.
£3 million funding to boost special needs education

Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in North Yorkshire are being supported through a £3 million investment.
Northern offers discounted tickets for journeys to Christmas markets

Customers who are planning to visit some fantastic Christmas markets in Yorkshire over the festive season are being offered £2 train tickets.
Former Lioness to join Skipton for Christmas Lights Switch-On

Former England women’s international footballer Jean Elliott will turn on Skipton’s Christmas Lights this year on Sunday 30th November.
Row over home-to-school transport escalates amid broken promises claim

A bitter row over changes to home-to-school transport policy in North Yorkshire has escalated with accusations of the truth being misrepresented and promises being broken.
Council launches guide to improve support for Armed Forces in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Council has launched a guide to improve support for serving personnel, veterans, and their families across the county.
Skipton charity issues advice on how to talk to children about mental health

The Principle Trust Children's Charity is encouraging parents and carers to talk about children's mental health.
Shed workshop rejected partly due to archaeology concerns

A new facility to combat loneliness in Addingham has been refused, in part due to “the potential for buried Anglo-Saxon archaeology.”
Social football for ladies and girls promoted in Skipton

Ladies Social Football Training are running 3v3 social tournaments at Sandylands Sports Centre in Skipton every Friday evening.
MP launches Small Business Awards in South Craven

Small businesses across Silsden, Steeton, Eastburn and Addingham are among those able to enter an MP's awards scheme.
Christmas tree farm in Steeton celebrates 40 year anniversary

Hawkcliffe Farm Christmas Trees is celebrating 40 years in business this festive season.
Councillors told to decline allowances if they don't agree with increase

North Yorkshire Council chiefs say councillors who do not agree with an increase in their allowances do not have to accept the money.
Leisure centre expansion to depend on council balancing finances

Plans to transform Skipton’s Craven Leisure centre have taken a step forward, though the project still depends on North Yorkshire Council being able to keep its finances steady.
Apprentice winner helps to launch new Skipton Business

A local entrepreneur from Eastburn has launched a pioneering new business in Skipton after an unexpected turn of events led her from a job interview to running her own company.
BGT finalist to headline Your Skipton stage at Christmas lights event

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Stacey Leadbeatter has been announced as the headline performer for this year’s Skipton Christmas Lights switch-on event.
Warning over taxi drivers with criminal records getting licences from other authorities

North Yorkshire Council chiefs say taxi drivers with criminal records and unsafe vehicles are able to avoid their rigorous checks by obtaining a licence from other authorities.
Sales income means council-owned house builder is back in black

Recent income from sales means a North Yorkshire Council-owned house builder should not need to borrow more taxpayers’ money, a senior councillor has told colleagues.
Anger as council refuses to issue key home-to-school transport maps

Campaigners have demanded to know why North Yorkshire Council is refusing to release maps used to determine a child’s eligibility for free school transport amid claims of numerous inaccuracies within the system.