All policy articles
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In FocusThe 1.5 million-home question: Does the government’s planning reform programme add up?
Ministers unleashed a barrage of planning reforms in the dying days of 2024. Joey Gardiner asks if these can give the industry the boost it needs to get anywhere close to the government’s ambitious housebuilding target?
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In Focus‘Housing links to so many things’… Florence Eshalomi on her plans for the HCLG committee
The Vauxhall and Camberwell MP has been appointed chair of a cross-party group which seeks to hold the new government to account on its housing policies. Here, she explains how affordable homes and local government finance are her central priorities
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CommentLooking ahead to 2025: positivity about government’s housing ambitions, but will it all come together?
The new Labour government has made welcome announcements to boost housing supply, writes Rachael Williamson. But will the necessary investment, skills and capacity coalesce quickly enough?
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CommentThe new NPPF: the time for waiting is over
There is much to like in the updated planning guidance but ministers should demand new housing targets are delivered sooner rather than later, writes Paul Smith
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CommentTargeted funding and the right tenure mix: how to ensure the NPPF can deliver the housing we need
New Savills research shows 187,000 affordable homes are needed per year. Lydia McLaren and Steve Partridge explain how this could be achieved
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In FocusUpdated National Planning Policy Framework explained
The government’s proposed changes to national planning policy, set out yesterday, saw just a few tweaks from the draft set out in the Summer. Daniel Gayne looks at what has stayed and what has been changed
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NewsHousebuilders and planners welcome Rayner’s plan to bypass local committees on development decisions
Government has published a working paper and asked for industry views on proposals
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NewsRayner announces plan to bypass local committees to stop developments ‘getting stuck in the system’
Housing secretary pledges to remove ‘subjectiveness’ and allow applications to be approved if they follow local plan and NPPF
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NewsNew government’s rhetoric already affecting planning, says Berkeley
Housebuilder reports drop in pre-tax profit on increased revenue in half-year results
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NewsStarmer defends ‘too ambitious’ 1.5m homes target
Prime minister re-commits to housebuilding target in set piece speech, saying ‘brave’ action is necessary to drive bold action
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NewsSadiq Khan consults on plans for new intermediate rental tenure for key workers
Mayor London proposes rents based on 40 per cent of key workers’ incomes
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CommentWhy John Prescott’s impact on the built environment should never be forgotten
Former English Partnerships chair and crossbench peer Margaret Ford pays tribute to the the former deputy prime minister, who died last week
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NewsGovernment unveils Warm Homes plan measures
300,000 households to benefit from home upgrades, says DESNZ
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In FocusSite safety, housing market renewal and the £60k house - A look back at John Prescott’s contribution to the sector
The former deputy prime minister, whose death was announced this morning, forced construction to realise that things couldn’t go on as they were
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NewsGovernment publishes consultation on measures to overhaul Right to Buy
Newly-built housing could be exempt for a set period of time and eligibility periods extended as part of Rayner’s package of reforms to help councils protect their housing stock
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NewsMPs launch inquiry into environmental impact of Starmer’s planning reforms
Environmental audit committee to probe environmental sustainability of the government’s plans for 1.5m homes
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CommentLabour must deliver on planning reform as its main tool to drive economic growth
The Office for Budget Responsibility seems unconvinced about Starmer’s growth agenda, but crucially it did not take into account the economic impact of the government’s proposed planning changes, writes Paul Smith
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NewsHomelessness charities warn National Insurance changes could take £60m away from frontline services
More than 100 CEOs call for a rebate and warn closure of services would be “poor start” in bid to tackle homelessness under Labour
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CommentMuch in the budget was positive for social housing, but providers will need to review spending plans due to NIC changes
The first Labour Budget in 14 years was a bit of a curate’s egg, writes Duncan Short
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NewsEuston Housing Delivery Group will ensure ‘exemplary placemaking’ around new station, says Pennycook
Housing minister confirms appointment of ex-Lendlease MD to lead expert group