The Government has unveiled its plan to “overhaul our housing system” in England over the next five years.
Angela Rayner announced the Government’s housing mission this week.
In a bid to “meet the needs of working people” and “put communities first”, the Deputy Prime Minister said the new Labour Government’s plan is to introduce mandatory planning targets on all local Councils in England that aim to build a whopping 1.5 million new homes within the next half decade, and at least 50% of those will be considered ‘affordable’.
The new targets will boost housebuilding in the areas “most in need”, according to Rayner, and will help more people buy their own homes, as well as help to drive growth and ultimately “make everyone in the country better off”.
We will deliver the homes needed right across the country.
🏠Building 1.5m new homes 🏠Prioritising affordable homes for social rent and first-time buyers 🏠Putting local people in control 🏠Delivering growth across the whole country
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 31, 2024
Rayner says the new rules set out this week will reverse the previous Government‘s decision last year to “water-down housing targets” by making them explicitly advisory at a time when planning permissions were said to be “at a record low”, and instead reflect the level of ambition that’s necessary to tackle the current housing crisis.
These new targets are set to flow into the development of local plans, as the Government says it’s through local plans that communities get to have their say in the building of the homes and infrastructure they need.
Currently just a third of Councils have a plan that’s under five years old, which is why the Government wants to “take tough decisions” and “step in where needed” to drive progress and ensure local areas get a say on if and how homes are built.
The Deputy Prime Minister has written to every Council leader and Chief Executive in England to make it clear that there is “not just a professional responsibility, but a moral obligation to see more homes built”.
She added that she will “not hesitate to use her powers of intervention” if it ends up being necessary, and this includes directly taking over an authority’s plan-making.
“This marks a significant step to getting Britain building again,” Angela Rayner announced.
“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.
“And something I am personally proud of, our new flexibilities for councils will boost the number of social and affordable homes, and give working families a better route to a secure home.”
Featured Image – Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
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A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Manchester United’s Stadium Sleep Out returns for 2025
Danny Jones
Man United have announced the return of the annual Stadium Sleep Out for 2025, with a bigger fundraising target than ever.
Following a hugely successful inaugural edition back in 2022, the now annual Stadium Sleep Out at Old Trafford is back for another year, with more eyes on the crucial charity event than ever.
Confirming the date for the first stadium sleepover as the colder months approach, people from all over Greater Manchester are being invited to come and help generate money for the local homeless community.
For anyone unfamiliar with the fundraiser, United supporters, general football fans and all manner of Mancs are encouraged to come and take part in the Sleep Out that is held under the lights of the famous football ground.
Raising funds in support of relevant local charities that not only help homeless people throughout the North West and beyond, but have a special focus on vulnerable young adults, to amounts generated go towards helping rough sleepers around the region.
A cause we’re sure you’ll agree we can all get behind.
Make that more like £40,000 raised with Centrpoint last year.
Speaking on the most recent iteration of the Stadium Sleep Out, former academy graduate and now retired pro Danny Simpson told The Manc: “I’m a local boy, so it means something to me to try and help my community in any way I can.
“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the Foundation has, and it’s been great to hear about the work they’re doing – it’s been a really positive night.”
Not only is it a touching way to try and raise money for a national crisis, but it’s a window into the prevailing hardships of homelessness.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older, but if you’re interested in swapping your bed for a sleeping bag on 7 November, you can find out more HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
1st August 2024 
