Renting or buying?

In the election I campaigned for Home ownership for the many. I am very well aware that a large number of younger people in their 20s and 30s are unable to afford their first home and have to rent, often sharing accommodation or renting small units to manage the bills.
I have held meetings with and had conversations with Ministers to promote and develop the Help to buy schemes which offer assistance with the deposit to buy. I have also now held meetings with Councillors and officers in Wokingham Borough, and had email exchanges with West Berkshire Councillors over the local response to the new scheme to provide more affordable homes for purchase, with a 20% discount on normal market prices for first time buyers. Ministers are working on the details this autumn, and I am keen to see a positive response in our area.
Over an adult lifetime it usually makes financial sense to own rather than to rent. Home ownership continues to rise amongst the over 45 s, so it is good news that more people can look forward to a retirement without having to fear and pay a rent bill. We now need to help Generation Rent, as we are going backwards on owner occupation for younger people.