Summary
Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated that his role could be at risk if he fails to achieve the government’s pledge of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029. Experts believe that the target may not be met due to challenges in the planning process and insufficient current building rates. To address these challenges, the government plans reforms to speed up planning approvals and increase housebuilding.
Key Facts
- Housing Secretary Steve Reed promised to build 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029.
- Reed said his job should be at risk if he fails to meet this housing goal.
- Experts believe the government's target is unlikely to be met due to current building rates.
- Current housebuilding is around 200,000 homes per year, short of the needed 300,000 homes annually.
- Issues like slow planning processes and local opposition impact housing development.
- Less than a third of councils in England have up-to-date planning documents, known as "local plans."
- Proposed reforms include speeding up the creation of local plans and giving more powers to government to review rejected housing proposals.
- The concept of a "grey belt" has been introduced to potentially allow building on certain green belt lands, but decisions are left to local authorities.
