INA (Independent Networks Association)’s Post

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

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

A quick summary from Angela Raynor's statement just now in Parliament. Quite simply, this is one of the most ambitious and central workstreams of this government. Raynor talks about planning targets, ambition, rules on local authorities, and something that we will hear a lot in the next few years "Labour will get Britain building" She admitted some of what is being proposed is controversial but emphasised its urgency due to the acute housing crisis we have. (It is a housing affordability crisis!) She used her speech to criticise the Conservatives, saying they couldn't get anywhere near their target of 300,000 homes, but these plans she is proposing will be for 370,000. The point is coming across that it's now about how we deliver new housing, and not if. Local mandatory targets will be in place. There is a more strategic system in place for the green belt. Local authorities will have to review the green belt if they are to meet their goals. Fifty per cent of housing on the green belt will need to be affordable, but affordable for who, and is this genuinely affordable? This is a very ambitious program, and there will be legislation. This is the first step from the Government to solve the nation's #housingaffordabilitycrisis and probably more than any government has done for a long time.   Given the Chancellor's statement yesterday, I wonder who will pay for all the infrastructure and social housing we need. Will it work, I remain sceptical that they can meet these targets in the time frame they have set themselves, but with the urgent need for housing, I look forward to contributing to discussions and making the case for genuine community involvement to help shape where people live. Now to read the documents: https://lnkd.in/eNgNN2y3

🌍🏡 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

Prime Minister Trudeau meets Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic to discuss shared priorities Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Kitchener City Hall to meet with Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. This was Trudeau's third visit in the past year, focusing on the needs of Canada's fastest-growing community. Key topics included housing, economic growth, and sustainable development. Mayor Vrbanovic emphasized Kitchener's reputation as a trusted partner, highlighting the city's efforts in housing, infrastructure, and sustainability. Trudeau praised Kitchener's ambitious goals and discussed federal initiatives like the Housing Accelerator Fund, aimed at building affordable homes and creating jobs. Both leaders underscored the importance of collaboration across all government levels to address the housing crisis and other community needs. The meeting also covered Kitchener's role in international priorities, such as localizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and tackling climate change. As Co-President of United Cities and Local Governments, Vrbanovic discussed opportunities for Canadian cities to advance national priorities during Canada's G7 Presidency in 2024-25. Mayor Vrbanovic expressed gratitude for federal support, emphasizing Kitchener's readiness to collaborate with all government levels to enhance housing and economic growth, ensuring essential services for residents and businesses. You can read the full article here https://lnkd.in/gvWgg-4K

From the 1940s to the 80s, the federal government invested heavily in affordable housing. But they stopped since then, and Canada's housing crisis has since spiralled. Now is the time for the federal government to step up and build affordable housing again. In our latest episode of Progressive Political Economy, housing expert at School of Cities, University of Toronto Carolyn Whitzman discusses Canada's historic housing investments since the Second World War, and why we need these programs today to make housing affordable. Watch the full episode at https://lnkd.in/e2Aw8fij

How do we fix Scotland’s #housing system? Tuesday 26th November 2024 Online half-day conference > What is the nature of Scotland's housing challenge? > Where does our housing stand and how did we get here? > Thinking strategically in tackling the housing crisis > Addressing the supply side - policy, investment and planning > Social housing, housing policy and the role of the public sector > Build to rent and attracting inward investment > Is there a planning problem or a planning opportunity? > The macro picture on the housing economy and what is needed to change it > The micro picture, what is happening on the ground? > Implications for the Scottish market of UK housing policy change Info/register: https://shorturl.at/Rsu5t Cost: £149 - register 2 delegates, get a 3rd one FREE

“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  

How do we fix Scotland’s #housing system? Tuesday 26th November 2024 Online half-day conference > What is the nature of Scotland's housing challenge? > Where does our housing stand and how did we get here? > Thinking strategically in tackling the housing crisis > Addressing the supply side - policy, investment and planning > Social housing, housing policy and the role of the public sector > Build to rent and attracting inward investment > Is there a planning problem or a planning opportunity? > The macro picture on the housing economy and what is needed to change it > The micro picture, what is happening on the ground? > Implications for the Scottish market of UK housing policy change Info/register: https://shorturl.at/Rsu5t Cost: £149 - register 2 delegates, get a 3rd one FREE

A bold start on housing from the new UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves 👇 Wasting no time to label the current UK planning system “the graveyard of economic ambition” the Chancellor has some big moves in mind to tackle the housing crisis and stimulate economic growth. 🎯 Mandatory National Housing Targets 🧑🧑🧒🧒 Local Community Involvement 👩💼 1,400 new planning officers ✅ Streamlined approval processes 🏞️A focus on brownfield and grey belt land Reeves says emphatically “the answer cannot always be no,” highlighting the need for a balanced approach that includes community input but also prioritises development. It’s a decisive approach - centralising decision-making and incentivising developers will drive economic and housing development - but the NIMBYs won’t like it. #housing #ukelection #property #NIMBY #YIMBY