NHC reaction to Government’s focus on housing

The NHC has welcomed the new Government’s focus on housing in its first few days of office.

The Prime Minister Keir Starmer recognised the importance of affordable housing in his first speech; and the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has now promised to “get Britain building” with planning reform and new house building targets.

Tracy Harrison, Chief Executive of the Northern Housing Consortium said:

“We welcome the new Government’s focus on housing. The Prime Minister has recognised the importance of affordable housing in his first speech, and this morning, in her first speech, the Chancellor has also set out immediate action to build more homes.

“New housebuilding targets will give certainty and help local authorities to plan more effectively. The focus and reference to more social rent homes is especially welcome.

“Whilst we support more flexibility with greenbelt land, it is good to see the new Government confirm they also want to build more homes on brownfield land. Our research shows there is the potential to build up to 320,000 homes on brownfield land in the North.

“We also welcome the commitment to 300 new planning officers. Local authorities across the North have been hit disproportionately by cuts to planning departments, and capacity support is desperately needed.”