Plans for the Summer Legislative Vote Spark debate

Plans for the Summer Legislative Vote Spark debate

The UK housing and development sector is calling for a comprehensive agenda focused on accelerating homebuilding, reforming planning systems, and expanding affordable and social housing. This urgent appeal comes as the country grapples with a chronic housing shortage and the need to address net zero obligations.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that a General Election will take place on 4th July 2024, and industry experts believe that the economy and housing will play significant roles in the upcoming election. John Leiper, chief information officer of Titan Asset Management, echoes the sentiment, stating that the UK's economic situation and inflation rate are crucial factors.

One of the key elements of this proposed agenda is streamlining planning and delivery. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up new home and infrastructure delivery by introducing strategic, cross-boundary planning tools called spatial development strategies (SDS). These strategies will require combined authorities and councils to prepare aligned development plans to meet housing needs more effectively across larger areas.

The government has also announced historic investments in affordable and social housing. A £39 billion commitment over ten years for affordable homes, a £2.8 billion boost in near-term affordable housing funding, a £3 billion expansion of private rented sector guarantees, and the launch of a National Housing Bank with £16 billion financial capacity to accelerate housebuilding via Homes England are some of the measures being considered.

Experts also stress the need for reform in England’s discretionary planning system, which they believe restricts housing supply, particularly in economically growing cities. A shift towards more predictable zoning systems, like those in other countries, could facilitate higher housebuilding rates and better align supply to local demand.

Another aspect of the proposed agenda is enhancing social housing remediation and resident experience. Over £1 billion has been allocated to remediate social housing safely, with stretch targets and improved engagement with residents, including better support during remedial works and greater flexibility for sub-letting.

The experts also urge supporting more diverse, community-aligned housing solutions. This includes promoting non-profit, cooperative, and publicly owned housing with tax and financing incentives for low-impact densification rather than overreliance on high-rise towers. This approach would restore flexibility for municipalities in land use planning and encourage gentle density options that match household needs and neighbourhood contexts.

In addition, increasing the use of timber in construction presents a promising solution for the incoming government to address the housing crisis and tackle net zero obligations. The Structural Timber Association (STA) has urged political parties to prioritize sustainable housing in the upcoming election.

However, the progression of various policies, including the Renters (Reform) Bill, may be impacted by the General Election scheduled for 4th July. The delay in the progression of the Renters (Reform) Bill has caused frustration among industry experts, with Oli Sherlock, managing director of Goodlord, expressing his concerns.

Lawrence Turner, Director of Boyer, has outlined ten points that a new government should urgently address to bring about positive change in the housing sector. These points include re-introducing mandatory housing targets for local authorities, coordinating housing and infrastructure needs at the regional level, and addressing planning system reform.

In conclusion, the UK housing and development sector is advocating for a comprehensive agenda that prioritises integrated strategic planning, substantial investment in affordable/social housing, planning reform for increased supply, and community-sensitive housing development. The incoming 2024 government will need to address these issues effectively to tackle the country’s chronic housing shortage and ensure sustainable development.

1. The UK's housing shortage and net zero obligations necessitate an urgent acceleration in homebuilding and policy reform.
2. The UK's economic condition and inflation rate will likely weigh heavily on the outcome of the upcoming general election in 2024.
3. The proposed agenda includes streamlining planning and delivery through strategic, cross-boundary planning tools.
4. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aim to speed up new home and infrastructure delivery by introducing spatial development strategies (SDS).
5. Historic investments in affordable and social housing amounting to £39 billion over ten years have been announced by the government.
6. Experts suggest reforming England’s discretionary planning system to facilitate higher housebuilding rates.
7. Enhancing social housing remediation and resident experience is another key element of the proposed agenda, with £1 billion allocated for remediation.
8. Supporting diverse, community-aligned housing solutions, such as non-profit and cooperative housing, is also urged.
9. Increasing the use of timber in construction is proposed as a sustainable solution to address the housing crisis and meet net zero obligations.
10. The progression of various policies may be affected by the upcoming general election, causing frustration among industry experts.
11. Ten points for positive change in the housing sector, including re-introducing mandatory housing targets and addressing planning system reform, have been outlined by Lawrence Turner, Director of Boyer.
12. The incoming government must effectively address the housing shortage and ensure sustainable development by prioritizing comprehensive planning, investment, and community-sensitive housing development.

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