<p><span>The government will bring forward measures to boost home ownership, it confirmed in the Queen’s speech today (December 19), with a consultation to follow shortly on its “First Homes” initiative.</span></p> <p><span>In her speech setting out a summary of the government’s intended legislative programme - the second in two months following the general election which returned a Conservative majority – the Queen stated that the government “<span>will take steps to support home ownership, including by making homes available at a discount for local first time buyers.” </span></span></p> <p><span>Offering more detail in a briefing document, the government stated that it would shortly launch a consultation on First Homes – an initiative announced in its election manifesto – under which homes will be provided for local people and key workers at a discount of “at least” 30%.</span></p> <p><span>This discount, the government explained, would be secured through a covenant and funded by developers, allowing the homes to remain discounted “</span><span>in perpetuity, supporting people now and in the future who aspire to own a home of their own.”</span></p> <p><span>The Queen’s speech document also confirmed previously revealed plans, including the introduction of a reformed shared ownership model “making buying a share of a home fairer and …