Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) –The deputy PM Angela Rayner unveils new mandatory housing targets to address the housing crisis in the UK, which will be an overhaul of England’s planning.
The government has stated that a major revamp of the planning system has been announced as they outline the difficult choices required to strengthen the foundations and stimulate economic growth.
All councils in England will now have new, compulsory housing targets aimed at delivering 1.5 million additional homes, addressing the most severe housing crisis in recent memory.
The government indicated that these new targets will compel councils to increase housebuilding in areas with the greatest requirement, helping more people purchase homes, removing significant barriers to economic growth, and revitalizing construction in Britain.
The new regulations introduced recently will overturn last year’s decision to relax housing targets, which had made them merely advisory, at a time when planning permissions were at a historic low. This new strategy reflects the ambitious level necessary to address the housing crisis and fulfill the government’s pledge of 1.5 million homes.
In line with the government’s primary mission to foster economic growth nationwide, these new targets will be integrated into the creation of local plans. Through these local plans, communities will have a voice in the development of necessary homes and infrastructure.
It was indicated that at present, only a third of councils have a plan less than five years old. This is why the government stated they will make tough decisions and intervene where necessary to make sure progress, making sure local areas have a say in how, but not whether, homes are constructed.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner stated that she has has written to every council Leader and Chief Executive in England, stressing that there is not just a professional responsibility but a moral obligation to make sure homes built, and that she will not hesitate to exercise her intervention powers if necessary, including taking over the plan-making process directly.
“Our decisive reforms to the planning system correct the errors of the past and set us on our way to tackling the housing crisis, delivering 1.5 million homes for those who really need them,” added the Deputy Prime Minister.
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