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Government unveils plan to build 1.5 million new homes in England over next five years – with 50% ‘affordable’
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said these new targets will boost housebuilding in the areas "most in need".
Emily Sergeant -
1st August 2024 
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.
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 31, 2024
🏠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
Find out more: https://t.co/2Hm8U3IuCZ pic.twitter.com/wXbFkJ3FLF
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.
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“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)
