The Labour Party has said it will “hit the ground running” and begin a “housebuilding blitz” within days of taking charge if it is successful in the General Election, according to The Sunday Times.
According to Keir Starmer in the joint interview alongside shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, high on the agenda is a local authority-led review of greenbelt land, with at least three housing announcements to come in the first fortnight of Labour’s premiership. Reeves said that it was “urgent” that Labour become the party of housebuilders.
The article went on to suggest that Angela Rayner would announce Labour’s housebuilding programme in the second week of the party’s government, while in the third week, the shadow housing secretary will instruct local authorities to start reviewing their greenbelt boundaries to maximise their housing potential and identify areas that could be reclassified for potential redevelopment.
Reeves reaffirmed Labour’s pledge to release low-quality grey belt land for development, saying: “Just because something’s designated ‘greenbelt’ does not mean it’s green.”
Labour also intend to rework and publish a draft of the National Planning Policy Framework in July, if successful in the election, which will include reinstating mandatory housing targets. The party will then undertake a recruitment drive for 300 planning officers with the aim to speed up permissions.
When asked whether the Labour would be able to deliver the Conservatives’ yearly housing target of 300,000 homes a year, Keir Starmer replied: “It’s more likely, I think we’ll ramp up over the parliament. Therefore, towards the end of that, we’ll be doing more than the 300,000.”
Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners, said: “Housing stands as a pivotal issue in the election fray, given its correlation with economic stability. Recent upticks in house prices and mortgage approvals hint at recovery, yet the persistent housing shortage threatens prolonged recession.”
“The UK faces a crisis of affordability due to insufficient homes for rent and sale, negatively impacting GDP. Decades of social strain persist with little resolution in sight. We urge the implementation of a radical yet credible long-term plan to assuage market concerns. Their proposed target of 300,000 homes annually echoes longstanding government aspirations unmet since 2004. France’s surpassing construction efforts underscore the urgency, with Capital Economics estimating a need for 385,000 new homes yearly.”
“Four primary factors underpin this crisis: over-reliance on major housebuilders, politicised planning discouraging development, net loss of social housing and post-Brexit labour shortages. Addressing these roots is imperative to alleviate the affordability crisis. Reinvigorating SME housebuilders is pivotal. Incentives should facilitate access to opportunities, including allocating small land plots for development and streamlining planning permissions for brownfield sites. Boosting skilled labour domestically and reforming the planning system are equally crucial. Independent decision-making and private-sector assistance can expedite approvals and reduce costs. Prioritising social housing and incentivising brownfield developments are essential steps toward sustainable growth. Lenders must offer flexible financing to smaller developers. Despite potential temporary unpopularity, a steadfast commitment to a pro-growth agenda is necessary. The unique challenges facing the UK demand decisive action. Embrace this opportunity to steer us toward a balanced and sustainable housing market, ensuring prosperity for generations to come.”
