Claiming a once-in-a-generation set of reforms, proposals are designed to underpin “iron-clad fiscal rules” including helping first-time buyers get into the housing market by overhauling Britain’s planning system through tackling costly litigation which leads to delays in projects getting started.
"If the Tories won't build, if the Tories can't build, then we will. Tackling head-on the obstacles presented by our antiquated planning system.”
The Shadow Chancellor implied she is considering proposals for energy bill cuts for those in communities that host national infrastructure, thereby overcoming the proverbial problem whereby communities reject new development proposals.
She referenced affordability issues for renters and prospective homeowners resulting from increased interest, rates and reminded the conference of party leader Keir Starmer’s ambition that Labour be the party of homeownership by achieving a rate of 70% homeownership in Britain.
Pat McFadden MP, Labour's National Campaign Coordinator, reiterated frustration on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, saying "It takes too long to build things. To get economic growth and better public services, we have to make building things quicker than it is today."
A Labour Government would work to overcome objections to creating new towns by asking communities to come together to develop proposals with infrastructure that makes them more than a community of houses. McFadden responded to the prohibitive scale of the cost of investment, saying their determination acknowledges the need to generate private wealth to achieve economic growth, outlining that the state of public finances mean these are long term plans.
A significant rise in the non-UK resident surcharge will be needed if the policy is to have its desired effect and whilst a focus on overhauling the planning system is welcome, only by introducing a community-led approach to house building that delivers infrastructure first will ensure Labour brings people with them on their quest to rebuild the country and increase the number of homes that we drastically need.
