Ian Harvey SFIPM FRSA’s Post

“Yesterday’s statement from the Chancellor has our unequivocal support, we need more new homes and there is no time to waste. This is one of the most pressing issues for the UK, for economic growth, for families across the UK, and for us all at Places for People, whose mission is to build, help, and support Communities across the UK.” Scott Black shares his response to Rachel Reeves’ first ministerial statement.  “The measures Rachel Reeves has announced today are a positive first step for housing of all tenures including much-needed new affordable homes. As well as bringing forward the delivery of new homes, our own #TimetoBuild research illustrated that approximately three-quarters of people also want greater investment in local infrastructure to support new housebuilding, which must not be forgotten. “Building must be scaled up now and we are ready to do our part to help. On top of mandatory housebuilding targets and a taskforce to accelerate stalled housing sites, we think more can be done to get Britain building again. “If we are to maximise investment into the sector and tackle the current housing crisis for those most in need, we need certainty and more specifically, confirmation on rent at CPI plus 1% while the financial settlement between Government and housing associations is reviewed. This would provide housing associations nationwide with the stability to invest in the homes they own and to accelerate building new homes. “This is an exciting time, and we look forward to further details of the Government's strategy, including the greenbelt review and recruitment of 300 more people into planning which will help to get things moving again. For too long we haven’t done what is necessary to meet the nation’s supply and demand challenges, and it is great to hear the new Chancellor address some of the key barriers that have held us back for too long, so early in her tenure. But a clear framework that unlocks more land for new homes and delivers planning consents quickly and efficiently is needed if we are to meet the needs of the nation. At Places for People we are here to help the government get Britain building at scale and for everyone across the UK.” #UKHousing #TimetoBuild #Government #BecauseCommunityMatters  

Today the Chancellor set out the new Government's ambition to reform planning. These reforms are very welcome, but many will take time to impact on the UK's housing stock. That's why Kane Emerson and John Myers have set out three 'fast wins' to get Britain building. 1️⃣ Learn from Haringey Council and let residents build up. Gentle density is beautiful and practical, allowing home-owners to use their space more efficiently, and providing housing where it is most needed. 2️⃣ Street votes empower communities to encourage densification and value creation. Schemes have been enormously successful in Vancouver, Seoul and Tel Aviv. 3️⃣ Estate renewal should be a top priority for the new government. Ambitious renewal plans can fund new council homes for every existing resident through cross-subsidy, a win-win for councils and communities. Our planning system requires radical reform. But in the meantime, gentle densification can make a real, immediate difference to the UK's housing crisis. Read the full briefing: https://lnkd.in/ep9SJX6k

🏘 The Promise vs. The Reality: Angela Rayner and the 1.5M Homes Pledge When it comes to tackling the UK's housing crisis, bold promises grab headlines—but delivering on those promises is where authentic leadership is tested. Angela Rayner's recent commitment to building 1.5 million homes over the next five years is certainly ambitious. However, her track record and current strategies leave serious doubts about whether this goal is realistic or achievable under her leadership. Here's why: 1️⃣ Infrastructure and Land Constraints: The availability of land, outdated planning regulations, and logistical barriers aren't adequately addressed. Where are the plans for systemic reform to unblock these obstacles? 2️⃣ Funding and Resource Allocation: The housing sector requires massive investment and skilled labour, yet we've seen little in terms of robust financial frameworks or a workforce development plan to support such an initiative. 3️⃣ Track Record on Delivery: Past housing pledges have often fallen short due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of cohesive policy implementation. Will this time be any different? Ambitious housing goals are essential but credible; actionable strategies must underpin them. Without addressing the fundamental issues in planning, funding, and governance, this latest pledge risks becoming another unfulfilled political promise, exacerbating public disillusionment. What do you think? Can we get there with the current approach, or does this plan need a complete overhaul? In addition, The Labour Government's recent budget decisions send shockwaves through the UK builders' merchants sector and the broader housebuilding industry. Rising costs, insufficient support for developers, and a lack of focus on supply chain resilience create uncertainty and slow progress when we need to build more homes than ever. Strong policies are essential to support growth—not stifle it. Time for a rethink? Let's discuss! #HousingCrisis #Leadership #UKHousing #AngelaRayner #PolicyPlanning

🌍🏡 Building a Brighter Future for Housing in the UK! 🏡🌍 Today marks a pivotal moment in the UK House of Commons as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner unveiled an ambitious plan to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years. This transformative initiative aims to prioritize locals and first-time buyers, reflecting Angela Rayner’s own journey growing up in a council house. Key Highlights: ✅ 1.5 Million New Homes: A bold commitment to tackle the housing crisis head-on. ✅ Focus on Locals & First-Time Buyers: Ensuring the new generation can step onto the property ladder. ✅ Potential Use of Green Belt Land: Balancing development with environmental considerations. While the plan has sparked enthusiastic support, especially for its innovative approach to green belt land and local housing targets, it has also raised questions about feasibility. Can the private sector and local planning capacities meet such an ambitious target? Beyond housing, this discussion opens a window into broader fiscal challenges: 💼 £22 Billion Deficit: A critical issue that needs addressing. 🏥 Public Spending on Healthcare and Salaries: Essential services that require sustainable funding. The debates underscore the complexities of policy-making and the necessity for transparent, economically sound decisions. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this ambitious housing plan. How can we collectively support its success while ensuring economic stability? 🤔🏠💬 #HousingCrisis #UKHousing #FirstTimeBuyers #GreenBelt #EconomicStability #PublicSpending #AngelaRayner #FutureOfHousing

Housing policy: Disconnect or different perspectives? 🏠 In his latest article, Martin Walker explores the challenges in balancing ambitious housing goals with local government priorities. While central government pushes forward with targets to “get Britain building,” councils are facing complex, immediate issues—like temporary accommodation and stock condition—that go beyond new builds. Is there a true disconnect, or are we tackling shared challenges from different angles? 🤔 🔗 Read the full article on our website to learn more about Local Partnerships’ insights and support for councils navigating these critical housing issues: https://lnkd.in/eRiEyhaX 💻 We also have a free webinar on 7 November on practical guidance on housing delivery vehicles - sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eTW8MdmS #housingpolicy #homelessness

Secure the future of England’s council housing.  #SaveCouncilHousing A safe, affordable, and healthy home is the foundation on which happy and successful lives are built. Our new government has committed to delivering the biggest increase to affordable and social housing in a generation. Councils have a critical role to meet this ambition, however, the reality is that our national council housing finances are on the brink. Our five solutions offer the new government an opportunity to turn this around - lifting the council homes we have up to modern, safe, healthy and green standards, and delivering the thousands more council homes that our country urgently needs. By investing in them together, we can transform lives for the better for generations to come. https://lnkd.in/eAnjyM2A

Yesterday's announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Angela marks a significant step forward in addressing the UK's housing crisis. The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) outlines ambitious reforms aimed at increasing the annual housing targets to 370,000 homes and streamlining planning processes. These changes reflect many of the strategic aims detailed in our Manifesto for Growth.   Key Highlights from the Announcement:   - The government plans to uplift housing targets, particularly focusing on high-demand areas. - There is a commitment to ensuring that local plans cater to community needs and prioritise development on accessible 'Grey Belt' land. - A pledge to support necessary infrastructures such as schools and transport links alongside new developments.   At the Independent Networks Association (INA), we're particularly encouraged by these developments. Currently, 80% of new homes are connected through independent networks, which have consistently demonstrated the ability to energise homes more quickly than incumbents, thus speeding up the availability of new homes on the market.   Our members have long advocated for efficient and sustainable housing development that does not sacrifice the needs of local communities or environmental standards. The government's commitment to simplifying and accelerating clean energy developments aligns perfectly with our vision for a sustainable future, and we welcome these changes as a positive step forward for the industry and Great Britain as a whole.

Angela Rayner Unveiled the Bold Plan for 1.5 Million New Homes by 2029!   The Housing Secretary Angela Rayner announced a major overhaul of England's planning rules, building on recent housing laws to reignite Labour's promise to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029. Here’s the scoop:   Mandatory Housing Targets: Local councils must hit government-set targets, reversing Conservative cuts from 2022.   Introducing the 'Grey Belt': Easing development on low-quality green belt land to boost housing supply.   Increased Annual Housing Goal: Councils now plan for 370,000 homes annually, up from 305,000.   Rayner admits the changes might stir controversy but insists they’re crucial for affordable housing. Despite Conservative criticism, she’s committed to pushing through for the greater good. Let me know your thoughts below on this transformative new vision William James Recruitment   #HousingReform #AffordableHomes #LabourHousing #AngelaRayner #GreyBelt #FutureLiving

🚨 Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has further cemented the Labour Party’s manifesto promise to ‘get Britain building’ through new local housing targets. The Labour government has pledged to build 1.5 million homes during their term, raising annual housing targets to over 370,000 from the previous 300,000 that the Tories had promised. ❗ We have put together a short blog including her highlights, her lowlights and the questions we still have after her announcements. 📖 Take a read, and let us know what you think about her pledges. 📧 If you need any support in understanding what the new housing targets mean for you and your developments, get in touch with us. #angelarayner #housingstrategy #NPPF #politicalengagement

On the last day of parliament before summer recess, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner made bold announcements on the future of planning. Speaking in the House of Commons, Rayner has promised to “get Britain building again” with a “council housing revolution”, reminding her colleagues that 150,000 children currently live in temporary accommodation, and that homelessness is at record levels. 🏠 She confirmed that housing targets would once again be made mandatory and a new method to establishing these targets would be used, proportionate to the size of the community. The new homes planned for this year has now increased to 370,000 compared to a previous 300,000. 🏙️ And where to build these homes? Rayner focuses on current brownfield land, as well as releasing “grey belt” quality land, which now has a formal definition. Of all the land released, she announced that 50% of homes built must be affordable housing. 🚧 Alongside housing reforms, announcements were made for wider growth. Planning rules will be changed to promote more energy renewable projects, as well as encouraging projects such as laboratories and data centres. Ministerial powers will be deployed when needed. If you would like to know more about these announcements could affect your business, email us tomorrow@lowickgroup.com #Planning #Housing #AffordableHousing