The Residential Landlords Association says the build up to the new government‘s Autumn Statement – effectively its first budget – is an opportunity for a rethink on housing taxes.

The RLA says a new report by the Taxpayers’ Alliance – which warns that private rental sector tenants will be hurt by the stamp duty surcharge and the reduction of buy to let mortgage interest tax relief – is “a damning indictment of the government’s tax grab on landlords.”

He says that recent tax changes will see many landlords increase rents. 

“This will make it harder for tenants to save for a deposit for a home of their own. It will go against everything the government claims it wants. A tax system that encourages rather than damages housing supply would boost revenue for the Treasury and cut costs for tenants” says RLA chairman Alan Ward.

“Ahead of the Autumn Statement there is now an opportunity for the new government to think again about its tax on new housing” he says.