Chancellor Alistair Darling has announced a package of measures to boost the housebuilding industry in his Budget in an attempt to stimulate demand, ease the regulatory burden and bring forward land for development. The chancellor heeded calls by HBF and other industry bodies to recognise the housing crisis in Great Britain and gave some prominence to measures to help the market, recognising that although it had stabilised there was only “slow recovery”. <br> <br> Darling announced that stamp duty will be scrapped for first time buyers on homes less than £250,000, double the previous £125,000 level for this year and next. The chancellor said this would be funded by increasing stamp duty on properties over £1 million to 5%. He also put in place a requirement for local authorities to ensure that they maintain a five year supply of deliverable, viable housing land – those not complying risk losing Housing and Planning Delivery Grant. <br> <br> The government is also to reduce the regulatory burden on the industry and report on progress next year. A ministerially sponsored action group is to be established to address these challenges and develop proposals. “This Budget is a huge boost to both home buyers …