Building the Homes We Need: Letter from the Deputy Prime Minister to Local Authority Leaders
On January 7, 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Dominic Raab, sent a letter to local authority leaders, mayors, and chief executives of local authorities regarding the government’s plans to address the housing crisis. The letter focused on the importance of increasing housing supply and building more homes to meet the growing demand.
Key Points of the Letter
- Collaboration between government and local authorities: The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between the government and local authorities to deliver on housing targets. He urged local authorities to work closely with the government to identify suitable land for development and streamline the planning process.
- Increasing housing supply: The letter highlighted the government’s commitment to increasing housing supply by building more homes. The government has set a target of building 300,000 new homes per year by the mid-2020s. Local authorities are expected to play a crucial role in achieving this target by granting planning permission for new developments.
- Affordability and quality: The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of ensuring that new homes are affordable and of high quality. He encouraged local authorities to work with developers to create homes that meet the needs of different communities, including affordable housing and homes for key workers.
- Simplifying the planning process: The letter acknowledged the need to streamline the planning process and make it more efficient. The government is exploring ways to reduce red tape and ensure that planning decisions are made in a timely manner.
- Incentives for local authorities: The Deputy Prime Minister announced that the government will provide incentives to local authorities that demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering new homes. These incentives may include funding and technical support.
Reaction from Local Authority Leaders
The letter has been met with mixed reactions from local authority leaders. Some welcomed the government’s commitment to increasing housing supply, while others expressed concerns about the ability of local authorities to meet the ambitious targets.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said that he was “dismayed” by the government’s plans, arguing that they will not deliver the affordable homes that Londoners need. He called on the government to invest more in social housing and to give local authorities more control over the planning process.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents local authorities in England and Wales, welcomed the government’s recognition of the need for increased housing supply. However, the LGA emphasized the importance of providing local authorities with the resources and powers they need to deliver new homes.
Conclusion
The Deputy Prime Minister’s letter highlights the government’s determination to address the housing crisis by increasing housing supply and building more homes. While the government and local authorities may have different perspectives on the best way to achieve this, it is clear that collaboration and a shared commitment to meeting the housing needs of the nation are essential.
Letter from the Deputy Prime Minister to local authority leaders, mayors and chief executives of local authorities: Building the homes we need
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