Action on more and better housing

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee published its report Meeting Housing Demand earlier this year.

It concluded that the Government must address barriers to building muchneeded homes and pointed out that too many people currently live in expensive, unsuitable, and poor-quality homes, adding that housing supply needs to be increased now to tackle the housing crisis.

The Government has responded to specific concerns flagged by the Lords and has re-committed to delivering its 300,000 homes per year target.

It has also promised a taskforce on housing for the elderly and agreed to help small to medium sized housebuilders.

Responding to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announcement,

The Lords Built Environment Committee Chair Baroness Neville-Rolfe, said: “Our Committee was pleased to see that the Government has recommitted to delivering its 300,000 homes per year target. However, planning reform is key to further development and we are yet to hear details about the Government’s planning proposals.

“We welcome the new taskforce on housing for the elderly and the Government’s commitment to reversing the collapse of the SME housebuilding industry.

“Given that over half of councils do not have an up-to-date local plan, the Government must make inroads on planning reform and other barriers to housebuilding. We will hold follow-up evidence sessions to monitor progress later this year.”

In a separate announcement, the government has pledged to “name and shame” failing social housing providers as part of reforms to drive up standards. Measures include a Resident

Panel to allow tenants to be heard directly by government.