Housebuilder Bellway calls for ‘immediate’ cut to stamp dutyBellway has called on the government to boost first-time buyer demandHousebuilder Bellway has called on the government to slash stamp duty immediately and roll out a first-time buyer scheme to revive Britain’s flagging housing industry. The FTSE 250 firm said on Tuesday that housing demand has been hammered by last year’s pre-Budget speculation and the recent rising mortgage rates triggered by the Iran war. Jason Honeyman, the group’s chief executive, said Bellway is “in a strong position to capitalise on future growth opportunities” but asked the government to stimulate demand by cutting taxes. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously denied speculation that he is considering axing stamp duty. But Bellway’s call for a cut to stamp duty makes it the newest member of a group of housebuilders, including Barratt Redrow, which are urging the government to step in and boost housing demand.