New Chancellor Rachel Reeves Announces Mandatory Housing Targets ‘To Get Britain Building Again’

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New chancellor Rachel Reeves announces mandatory housing targets 'to get Britain building again' Rachel Reeves has announced mandatory housing targets and an end to the onshore wind ban to get "Britain building again". The UK's first ever female chancellor said Labour will create a new taskforce "to accelerate stalled housing sites in our country". She promised her government would build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, as pledged in Labour's election manifesto. "We're not in the business of reneging on our manifesto commitments," she said in her first speech as chancellor after Labour won the general election last Thursday. "We've received that strong mandate. We're going to deliver on that mandate." Ms Reeves announced the government will: • Restore mandatory housebuilding targets • Build 1.5m homes by the end of this parliament - including affordable and council homes • End the onshore wind farm ban • Create a new task force to accelerate stalled housing sites • Support local authorities with 300 additional planning officers across the country • Review planning applications previously turned down that could help the economy • Prioritise brownfield and greybelt land for development to meet housing targets when needed • Reform the planning system to "deliver the infrastructure that our country needs" • Set out new policy intentions for critical infrastructure in the coming months. Commenting on the speech by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said: “Industry will welcome such a bold statement of intent which is a clear indication of a Government that has well and truly hit the ground running, especially in ensuring that key institutions are focused on promoting economic growth with their shoulders to the wheel. “The current anaemic rate is simply not sustainable if we want the investment in our public services and vital investment in critical infrastructure and, the advantage the UK now clearly has as a stable place to do business and, attract investment, is one we must not waste . An Industrial Strategy will be central to boosting growth, especially working in partnership with Government at national and regional level and, tackling the skills crisis must be at the heart of boosting growth in the first instance, with a fundamental and widespread review of the Apprentice Levy and Technical Education system as a starting point. Additionally, the ambitious target for new homes can be the catalyst to unlock the potential of fully modular homes built in British factories. “Turning the growth taps on will not be easy in the current uncertain international climate and a difficult inheritance. But, industry will commend this announcement that makes quite clear that it is the laser like focus of the new Government.”   On Housing,  Daniel Paterson, Director of Policy Make UK Modular added: “Make UK Modular looks forward to working with the new government on their ambitious building agenda. The Labour Party laid out a bold plan during the run-up to and throughout the election campaign and we welcome the Chancellor's statement today in regard to growth; making homes and infrastructure building central to this. Modular and MMC leaders can and will play their part in realising the growth opportunities available and helping to reach the target of 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament. “The Chancellor's commitment to reinstating housing targets, new funding for 300 new planning officers and overhauling the UK's antiquated planning system - issues that Make UK Modular have long called for action on - is both welcome and overdue. “The planned consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework and the drive to adopt universal coverage for local plansis also helpful in the joint goal of getting Britain building again, creating the homes so desperately needed around the whole of the country.”

In a decisive move to address the UK’s housing crisis, Rachel Reeves, the UK’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced a series of ambitious measures aimed at revitalising the housing sector.

In her inaugural speech as Chancellor following Labour’s recent election victory, Reeves outlined her government’s commitment to building 1.5 million homes over the next five years, as promised in Labour’s election manifesto.

“We’re not in the business of reneging on our manifesto commitments,” Reeves declared. “We’ve received that strong mandate. We’re going to deliver on that mandate.”

Reeves detailed a comprehensive plan that includes the restoration of mandatory housebuilding targets, the construction of affordable and council homes, and the lifting of the onshore wind farm ban. Additionally, she introduced a new task force to accelerate stalled housing sites and support local authorities with 300 additional planning officers. The government also plans to review previously rejected planning applications that could benefit the economy and prioritize brownfield and greybelt land for development to meet housing targets.

Key points from Reeves’ announcement include:
Mandatory housebuilding targets: Reinstituting targets to ensure steady progress in housing construction.
Building 1.5 million homes: Aiming to complete this ambitious goal by the end of the current parliament.
Ending the onshore wind farm ban: Promoting sustainable energy as part of the housing strategy.
New task force: Accelerating development on stalled housing sites.
Support for local authorities: Adding 300 planning officers across the country.
Reviewing planning applications: Reassessing previously turned-down applications to bolster economic growth.
Prioritising development land: Focusing on brownfield and greybelt areas to meet housing needs.
Reforming the planning system: Streamlining processes to facilitate infrastructure development.
Policy intentions for critical infrastructure: Setting out future plans to support the housing and infrastructure sectors.

Industry Reactions

The announcement has been met with positive reactions from industry leaders who view it as a bold step toward economic growth and stability.

Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, praised the government’s clear and proactive approach. “Industry will welcome such a bold statement of intent which is a clear indication of a Government that has well and truly hit the ground running, especially in ensuring that key institutions are focused on promoting economic growth with their shoulders to the wheel,” he said. Phipson emphasized the need for a robust Industrial Strategy and tackling the skills crisis, particularly through a review of the Apprentice Levy and Technical Education system. He also highlighted the potential of modular homes built in British factories to meet housing targets.

Daniel Paterson, Director of Policy at Make UK Modular, echoed these sentiments, expressing eagerness to collaborate with the government on the ambitious building agenda. “The Labour Party laid out a bold plan during the run-up to and throughout the election campaign and we welcome the Chancellor’s statement today in regard to growth; making homes and infrastructure building central to this,” Paterson stated. He noted that the reinstatement of housing targets, new funding for planning officers, and overhauling the planning system were overdue but welcomed steps. Paterson also appreciated the planned consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework and the push for universal coverage for local plans as crucial to getting Britain building again.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement marks a significant commitment to addressing the UK’s housing needs and stimulating economic growth. By setting ambitious housing targets, reforming planning systems, and fostering collaboration between government and industry, Reeves aims to deliver on Labour’s election promises and create a more stable, prosperous future for Britain. The business community’s positive reception of these plans underscores the potential for these measures to drive substantial progress in the housing sector and beyond.

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New Chancellor Rachel Reeves Announces Mandatory Housing Targets ‘To Get Britain Building Again’

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