Next PM could unlock 87,000 extra homes through ‘quick win’ policies, says Labour-linked think tank

The next prime minister could unlock 87,000 extra homes a year through a package of “quick win” policies, according to a Labour-affiliated think tank.

A new report by the Fabian Society, in partnership with the Land, Planning and Development Federation, has set out a series of “high-impact, low-cost policies” that it says could be started by the end of the year without primary legislation.

These include introducing a default “yes” for homes in commuter-belt areas of the green belt, establishing a “right to build” social and affordable housing in rural areas, and designating green-belt golf courses as “grey belt” and available for development.

The report also suggests requiring councils to adopt housing frame standards and design guides similar to those used in Australia, in order to reduce costs.

It also urges measures to support council housebuilding, including funding and liability to support pilots of compulsory purchases of land without paying hope value.

It advised that councils and combined authorities be given tailored and free expertise to use these powers and that the government should reform borrowing rules around council housebuilding.

According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, around 240,000 homes a year will be built in England 2029-30, significantly short of the rate needed to meet the government’s 1.5 million target.

The Fabians’ report said 87,000 homes could be added to this figure annually through its recommended measures.

“The government has made huge progress in reversing the housebuilding slump it inherited. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the grey belt, and other planning changes will raise housebuilding rates by the end of the parliament,” said Ben Cooper, head of the Fabian Society’s Housing Centre.

“But England’s housing crisis is still holding back growth and making life harder for families in every part of the country.

“As we head into the second half of this parliament, the next Prime Minister needs to go further and faster, with a stimulus package of reforms to build affordable homes in the places that need them. 

“This package would show Labour can deliver opportunity in England’s cities, towns and villages, and tackle the housing crisis.”