David Cameron has attacked the government for "completely reckless" briefing that stamp duty could be axed temporarily to boost house sales.

"Far from freeing up the housing market, they have actually frozen it," the Conservative leader told reporters.

He said he would be in talks with the National Association of Estate Agents - a body he claimed the government had refused to meet three times.

It comes after Alistair Darling refused to rule out changes to stamp duty. Al-Qaeda woman suspect sent to US ...
Czech troops return from Kosovo ...

Mr Cameron, who has returned to the political frontline, following a Cornish holiday, is set to meet with housing trusts, academics and house builders to discuss the property market.

'Deep hole'

This would include looking at the mortgage market, repossessions and the housing supply, he said.

"We won't be announcing any conclusions today. We won't be briefing out thoughts today. It is to engage with the experts," he added.

Estate agents have already warned that the uncertainty could cause people to delay buying houses.

The monthly briefing comes as ex-local government minister Nick Raynsford accused Labour of being in a "deep hole" and warned that attempts to "buy" support would only invite contempt.

Writing on newstatesman.com, Mr Raynsford accused the government of a "frantic search" for vote-winning ideas.

He failed to mention Gordon Brown, but praised the call by Foreign Secretary David Miliband to "start winning the argument over our record".

Mr Miliband fuelled speculation over the Labour leadership when he penned an article two weeks ago calling on colleagues to have the confidence to make their case afresh - but without making a reference to the prime minister once.

The prime minister, who is on holiday, is expected to launch a fightback in September.

(BBC)

<< Back