The UK government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has new housing goals to build 1.5 million houses by the next election. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced plans to expand the annual aim from 300,000 to 370,000 homes. Despite criticism, Rayner insisted that these measures are necessary for the country’s growth.
Rayner indicated that less than 200,000 homes are expected to be completed this year, emphasising the previous government’s inadequacies. The government intends to consult on an overhaul of the National Planning Policy Framework, with amendments expected by the end of this year. The goal is to help important infrastructure projects, such as onshore wind and solar energy, achieve net-zero carbon targets by 2030.
While housing targets in most places are increasing, London’s aim has been cut from 100,000 to 80,000 homes per year. The Conservative Party condemned the move, but Rayner defended the revised objective as more feasible.
Britain Remade, a pro-growth advocacy group, supported some reforms, including a reassessment of “green belt” land, but opposed the drop in London’s objective. CEO Sam Richards described the new policy’s emphasis on affordability and stricter standards as a move in the right direction.
