THE WE WANT OUR PENNY AND OUR BUN AWARD
Goes to…
SALFORD CITY COUNCIL
This Mary goes to the Council which wants it both ways. On one hand, the houses on Spike Island in Lower Broughton are said to be unpopular and not up to a decent standard. Which is supposedly why it’s now a `proposed development site’ for Countryside Properties (nothing to do with the fact that it’s right next to the River Irwell and Manc town centre, of course). On the other hand, James White first tried to buy his house on the Island from Salford Council around 18 months ago and was quoted £24,500 (with his 60% discount for living there for years). He went off to raise the money and went back to the Council this summer, only to be told he would have to pay £51,000 after his discount. The price had more than doubled in 18 months!
“Seeing as there was a threat of them coming down I thought it was outrageous to put this price on them” says James.
He took the case to the District Valuer who reduced the selling price but he was still asked to pay £44,000, almost double the original figure, which he hasn’t got.
“I think it’s a disgrace” James adds “The Council is saying the houses are unpopular yet it’s profiting from the rise in house prices…”
They want the pennies, the bun, the icing, the oven, the bakery…the lot…
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